Showing 1 - 10 of 12
A parallel govt emerges post-coup
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 31/03/2021
» Myanmar's elected parliamentarians are openly challenging the country's coup leaders by declaring a parallel civilian government in the next few days. The timing corresponds with the official end of the current elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They are also planning to establish a parallel administration throughout the country, challenging the military's coercive structures. One of the key intentions is to challenge the military's legitimacy and credibility internationally and make the country ungovernable.
Peoples' power versus military might
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/02/2021
» Millions and millions of protesters swarmed onto the streets throughout Myanmar earlier this week in an overwhelming rejection of the military's seizure of power. Despite dire threats and warnings from the country's coup leader, the army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, marchers thronged the thoroughfares even in small towns to demonstrate their deep support for democracy and their rejection of the coup.
Crisis deepens, violence fears grow
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 11/02/2021
» Myanmar's political crisis is deepening rapidly, raising fears of an imminent violent confrontation between the military and pro-democracy protesters. Every day hundreds and thousands continue to demonstrate their refusal to accept the military coup. In the past few days, the military have begun a concerted crackdown: using water cannons, riot police charges and shooting above the crowd's heads to scare them.
Civil disobedience, opposition to coup is growing
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/02/2021
» Opposition in Myanmar to the coup is escalating daily, as the new military-led regime tries to pacify the business community and quickly return the country to normal. The civil disobedience campaign initiated by the country's health workers is also growing in numbers, affecting hospitals, schools and other government offices. So far, the authorities have been powerless to stem the movement. But as the momentum grows there are increasing fears of a major confrontation between the peaceful protesters and the security forces.
Military stokes coup fears amid political crisis
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/01/2021
» Concerns about a possible military coup have swept across Myanmar this week amid signs of a deepening constitutional crisis. Tensions between Myanmar's military and its political allies on one hand and the country's pro-democracy politicians on the other are worsening, as a dispute over the election outcome intensifies, ahead of a landmark court case later today to decide the legitimacy of these electoral fraud claims. In the meantime, comments by the military earlier this week have fueled fears of a possible coup.
Pandemic poll drives reform demands
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/11/2020
» Myanmar goes to the polls on Sunday in a critical election that will determine the country's future direction. At issue is the country's fragile political balance -- between the civilian government and the still very powerful military -- and more importantly, give renewed impetus to the current government's drive to reform the country and the constitution. This election gives the voters the chance to decide whether the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, led by the charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, will be given a renewed mandate to push forward on the country's tentative reform path and strengthen its democratic institutions.
Vote vs Virus
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/10/2020
» Myanmar's national elections are set to go ahead in just over four weeks even though the country is reeling from a second wave of Covid-19 that shows no signs of abating any time soon.
Suu Kyi readies to win 'Covid election'
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/07/2020
» Myanmar's ruling party -- the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- is in the final stages of preparing for parliamentary polls scheduled for Nov 8. These elections have taken an unexpected turn, largely as a result of the pandemic sweeping the world. Now, the country's civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appears destined to be returned to power, albeit with a reduced majority.
2018 will be make or break for Suu Kyi
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 20/11/2017
» This month marks the second anniversary of Aung San Suu Kyi's electoral landslide at the 2015 polls. It also marks the start of her third year in power. This coming year is going to be a "make or break" year for her and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). The euphoria that greeted the Lady's victory has subsided and been replaced by disappointment, disillusionment and frustration. It is also the year the NLD must cast a serious eye toward to the next elections in three years time.
Myanmar starts new parliamentary era
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/02/2016
» Myanmar's new members of parliament are convening in the legislature Monday. The first session since their election in November last year, this marks a significant step in Myanmar's road to full and genuine democracy.