Mandalay

Mandalay is a city in Myanmar. Recent news focuses on Myanmar's political turmoil following the 2021 coup. The military junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has convened a new parliament dominated by its allies in Naypyidaw. This occurs amidst a backdrop of a five-year civil war and widespread condemnation of recent elections as a 'sham.' These elections, conducted in three phases, are seen as an attempt to legitimize military rule, with many popular parties banned and voting impossible in large areas. The UN and ASEAN have criticized the polls, with ASEAN refusing to certify the vote. Urban areas like Yangon are suffering from economic hardship, including inflation and unemployment, highlighting the country's instability and the desperation of its citizens.