National League for Democracy (NLD)

The National League for Democracy (NLD) is a prominent political party in Myanmar, formerly led by Aung San Suu Kyi. It achieved significant electoral victories in 2015 and 2020, representing a shift towards democratic governance after decades of military rule. However, the NLD's role has been severely curtailed following the military coup in February 2021. The party is newsworthy due to its exclusion from recent elections held in Myanmar, which international observers have deemed illegitimate. These elections, held in multiple phases culminating in January 2026, saw the pro-military party securing a majority of seats in parliament. The NLD and other major opposition parties were barred from participating, raising concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process. The convening of the new parliament in March 2026, dominated by the military-backed party, underscores the NLD's diminished political influence and the ongoing political instability in Myanmar.