Polls begin in Myanmar, but democracy is elusive, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Myanmar began a three-phase election process on December 28, the first polls since the February 2021 coup.
• India has expressed support for free and fair elections in Myanmar, echoing PM Modi’s message to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
• The Union Election Commission has deregistered parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.
• The UN Secretary-General has expressed skepticism about the fairness of the elections.

Detailed Insights:

• India faces the challenge of balancing engagement with Naypyidaw and non-state actors controlling border regions.
• Delhi interacts with the Arakan Army for the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
• To actualize its Act East policy, India needs a stable neighbor that can serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
• India must press for a return to democracy in Myanmar while remaining a supportive neighbor.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Act East Policy: A diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region.
• Junta: A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force.
• Democracy: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.