Myanmar Ethnic Group Vows to Block Elections in Areas It Controls

One of Myanmar's most powerful ethnic groups pledged on Aug 11 to block elections in areas it controls, rejecting polls the military junta has touted as a way of ending the nation's civil war.

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YANGON -

The Arakan Army (AA) has emerged as a key challenger to Myanmar's ruling generals since a 2021 military coup sparked war, and today it controls nearly all of western Rakhine state.

In addition to the AA, the military is battling an array of other ethnic armies that have long resisted central rule and have been joined on the front lines by new pro-democracy guerrilla units.

Late in July, the junta ended the nationwide state of emergency declared during the coup and said it would hold a general election in December.