Why Myanmar’s Sham Election Still Matters
For the country’s military rulers, the vote was intended to signal a return to normalcy.
Polling station workers count ballots after the polls close in Myanmar’s election on Sunday.
Photographer: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
It was a busy weekend for news in the US. The worst winter storm in years caused power outages and canceled flights, and the fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis by federal agents raised the possibility of a government shutdown as Democrats threatened to withhold Homeland Security funding. In Asia, eyes were on Myanmar, where the leaders of the military junta held what is widely regarded as a sham election this weekend. Bloomberg Businessweek senior reporter Matthew Campbell explains why it mattered anyway. Plus: Read about the US ski resorts that are feeling the chill from Canadian visitors, and get a recap of Episode 3 of Industry.
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