Myanmar Junta Kicks Off Poll Countdown Amid Quake Devastation

Less than two weeks after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake claimed over 3,600 lives and devastated central Myanmar, the junta has switched focus from recovery efforts to preparations for a general election in December.

On Tuesday, the junta’s Union Election Commission (UEC) reaffirmed its plan to hold the poll in December and January, calling on those wishing to set up political parties to submit their applications by May 9 to leave time for registration and campaigning.