1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov November 4, 2015Assessing Burmas Parliamentary ElectionsOn November 8, 2015, Burma (Myanmar) is scheduled to hold its second nationwide parliamentary election since the military junta that seized power in 1962 transferred power to a mixed civilian/military government
2、in March 2011. President Thein Sein and the Union Election Commission (UEC) have promised that the election will be free and fair according to international standards. The Obama Administration has called on the Burmese authorities to hold “transparent, inclusive, and credible” elections. Development
3、s during the campaign period and some aspects of the election rules and regulations have prompted concerns that the elections could fall short of being either “free and fair,” or “transparent, inclusive, and credible.” Some observers argue that President Thein Sein, the UEC, Burmas military (also kn
4、own as the Tatmadaw), and the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) appear to be seeking to ensure that the USDP wins enough seats in Burmas bicameral Union Parliament to retain power and select a pro-military president. Other observers, however, argue that despite some irregula