Political unrest continues in Myanmar, as Wednesday (February 1, 2023)marks two years since the military overturned the democratically elected government.
The military staged a coup on February 1, 2021. It claimed there were irregularities in the general election, in which the National League for Democracy, or NLD, led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory.
Some pro-democracy forces have armed themselves to fight military rule, but the junta continues its crackdowns on protesters.
A human rights group in Myanmar says 2,940 people have been killed by authorities since the military takeover.
Aung San Suu Kyi was detained in the coup. She has since been sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison on charges which she denied.
Last month the junta enacted a new law on the registration of political parties that will effectively make the NLD illegal.
Military officials say they are planning an election for August this year.
But some observers say the junta may postpone the election, citing security reasons, so as to keep a grip on power.
An expert on Myanmar affairs says it is highly unlikely that the election will be held in the way the military expects.
Nakanishi Yoshihiro, associate professor at the Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies, noted that fierce battles are still taking place in rural areas, inflicting casualties on both civilians and military personnel almost every day.
Nakanishi said it is difficult to set up polling stations across the country and ensure the safety of election officials and voters.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for member states to urge Myanmar's military leadership to respect the needs of its people.
In a statement released on Monday, the UN chief said he "condemns all forms of violence as the multidimensional crisis in Myanmar continues to deteriorate."
Referring to the military's planned election, Guterres said, "Without conditions permitting the people of Myanmar to freely exercise their political rights, the proposed polls risk exacerbating instability."
He went on to say the UN continues "to stand in solidarity" with the people of Myanmar and "to support their democratic aspirations for an inclusive, peaceful and just society." (NHK)
