Myanmar’s military said Monday it was taking control of the country for one year after declaring a state of emergency.
Why did this happen?
The military claimed there was voting fraud in November elections in which de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won a large majority in parliament. Myanmar’s election commission has rejected the fraud allegation.
Why now?
The military’s move came hours before the new parliament was due to sit for the first time.
What happened to NLD leaders?
A party spokesman said Aung San Suu Kyi was detained early Monday, along with other officials, including President Win Myint.
How has the international community responded?
Statements of condemnation for the military’s actions have come from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the U.S. State Department and White House, and from several other countries including Australia, India and Singapore. China, an important economic partner for Myanmar, said it is still gathering information on the developments.
