Electoral Uncertainty Grips Southeast Asia as Myanmar's Sham Election Concludes and Nepal's Youth-Led Revolt Shapes New Alliance

Southeast Asia is witnessing a wave of electoral uncertainty, with Myanmar's widely condemned election concluding and Nepal's youth-led revolt shaping a new alliance ahead of next year's polls. In Myanmar, polls have closed in the first phase of an election that has been widely criticized as a sham designed to legitimize the military junta's rule. The vote, touted by the military as a return to democracy, has been marred by low turnout and the exclusion of large areas due to ongoing conflict. The military seized power in a coup in 2021, ousting the country's then de-facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and sparking a spiraling civil war. The election has been widely condemned by the international community, with many viewing it as a farce. The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed by opponents of the junta, has called for a boycott of the election, and many candidates seen as allies of the junta are running unopposed. The low turnout and widespread criticism of the election have raised questions about its legitimacy and the future of democracy in Myanmar. Meanwhile, in Nepal, a new alliance has formed between two of the country's most popular political leaders in the wake of deadly youth-led protests that ousted the government earlier this year. Television host Rabi Lamichhane, the 51-year-old chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP), and the 35-year-old rapper-turned-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah have pledged to address the demands of the younger generation following September's deadly anti-corruption protests. The alliance between Lamichhane and Shah marks a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, with the two leaders promising to tackle corruption and bring about change. The protests earlier this year, which were sparked by a corruption scandal, resulted in the ousting of the government and the deaths of several protesters. The new alliance has been seen as a response to the growing disillusionment among Nepal's youth with the country's traditional politicians. The formation of the alliance has also raised hopes that Nepal's next election will be a turning point for the country's politics. With the youth-led revolt having brought about significant change, many are hoping that the new alliance will bring about a new era of transparency and accountability. In contrast to Myanmar's sham election, Nepal's polls are expected to be closely contested, with several parties vying for power. The RSP, led by Lamichhane, has gained significant popularity among Nepal's youth, and the alliance with Shah is seen as a boost to their chances. As Southeast Asia grapples with electoral uncertainty, the outcomes of these elections will have significant implications for the region's politics. In Myanmar, the conclusion of the sham election has raised concerns about the future of democracy, while in Nepal, the new alliance has brought hope for change. As the region watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: the youth are demanding change, and politicians are being forced to respond. Sources: * "Polls close in first phase of Myanmar elections widely condemned as a sham" (The Guardian) * "Nepal TV host and ex-rapper mayor form alliance for election after youth revolt" (The Guardian)