General Election

Myanmar Youth Look To Election And Beyond

Five million young voters will be able to cast their ballots for the first time in Myanmar's election on Sunday – about 14 percent of the electorate.In a country that emerged less than a decade ago from near total isolation under military rule, the nation's youth defies easy classification. AFP spoke to a number of Myanmar's Generation Z about the challenges they face and what they hope the next government will bring.Rakhine AngerHistory student Wai Wai Tun, 19, can vo

7 November 2020
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1.1 Million In Myanmar Barred From Voting

More than 1.1 million voters in Myanmar's western Rakhine state will be disenfranchised in upcoming national polls, according to data released by the election commission Friday, a move that experts warn could fuel yet more conflict.Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the 8 November election – only the second since the country emerged from outright military rule.But with virtually all Rohingya Muslims st

18 October 2020
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Singapore’s PAP Wins Poll But Support Slips

Singapore's long-ruling party retained power Saturday but its support fell sharply, while the opposition made gains, in a general election held under the shadow of a coronavirus outbreak.Voters put on masks and gloves and had to observe social distancing rules during a poll held as the city-state emerges from a lengthy lockdown. The affluent financial hub has seen large virus outbreaks in dormitories housing low-paid foreign workers, but with new infections slowing and authoriti

11 July 2020
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The Gloves Come On: Virus-Hit Singapore Votes

Singaporeans will vote in a general election Friday with a raft of safety measures in place as the city-state emerges from a major coronavirus outbreak that swept through migrant worker dormitories.Voters will wear masks and gloves, and go through temperature checks before casting their ballots, following a short nine-day campaign that took place mostly online as rallies were banned to reduce infection risks.The People's Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore for six decades, i

10 July 2020
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Is Myanmar ready for 2020 elections?

In late 2020, Myanmar will hold its general election for more than 1,000 seats in its legislative bodies. The lead-up to the elections overlaps with the 21st Century Panglong peace process and the possible repatriating of Rohingya refugees in ways that will only deepen social tensions. Myanmar's history of elections has seen large parties favoured over smaller ones and independent candidates.

17 March 2020
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India election: Five places to watch

Roughly 900 million registered voters will begin heading to the polls this week as India begins a marathon, six-week general election that will determine the course of the world’s second-most populous country.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking re-election under more favourable conditions than just a few months ago, when rising concerns about a lack of jobs had put his government on the back foot, and polls showed slumping support for his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).But in late Fe

9 April 2019
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What can stop the baht?

The baht is looking to repeat its performance as one of Asia’s best currencies last year. Monday’s growth data will shed light on a key pillar of its recent strength and may help it stay in pole position at least through the first quarter.After being beaten by only the yen in 2018, the Thai currency has outshone all its regional peers so far in 2019, rising by four percent against the United States (US) dollar.

18 February 2019
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Will Thais ever see another election?

And so, the saga continues. Thailand’s election is probably going to be delayed – again.Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise to Thais and observers alike. Previously slated for 24 February, but just three days into 2019, Thailand’s government has come out and said that holding elections on that date may clash with preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

10 January 2019
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The shifting landscape of Myanmar’s politics

Ever since the military-backed government of Myanmar embarked on a series of political reforms back in 2011, the country’s political landscape has never been the same. The political reforms carried out by Myanmar’s then government included the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, general amnesties for more than 200 political prisoners and many others.

22 November 2018
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Cambodia kicks off campaign for controversial election

Cambodian political parties on Saturday kicked off a three-week-long campaign for a controversial general election later this month, which strongman Hun Sen is poised to sweep after the main opposition were disbanded and their senior members driven into self-exile.Hun Sen – who has ruled Cambodia for 33 years – told a sea of supporters dressed in matching T-shirts adorned with the logo of his ruling party, that his government would ensure peace, economic growth and raise salaries for the key

10 July 2018
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Surging Thai economy grist for junta as pressure for vote builds

A surprise surge in Thailand’s economic growth could sway the country’s military government to stick to a plan for fresh elections early next year.Rebounding agricultural output and more traditional drivers such as exports and tourism helped propel gross domestic product growth to a five-year high of 4.8 percent last quarter.

25 May 2018
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