Myanmar poll to test region

Tomorrow, eligible voters in Myanmar will return to the polls in a general election organised by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), the military-appointed body overseeing the process.

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In most countries, national elections inspire hope. In Myanmar, however, an election held only in areas under government control is unlikely to restore democracy or deliver meaningful stability to a nation torn apart by civil war.

With the popular National League for Democracy (NLD) dissolved by the authorities, military-backed or allied parties are expected to form the next government.

The exercise amounts to old wine in a new bottle.

The constitutional framework guaranteeing the military's 25% share of parliamentary seats remains intact, ensuring continued dominance regardless of the outcome.

The central question is not which party will win, but how Asean and the Thai government will deal with a new administration in Nay Pyi Taw.

As predictable as sunrise, anti-junta forces, the interim National Unity Government (NUG) and Western governments have rejected the election outright.