Myanmar junta begins approving political parties ahead of expected electionsFile Photo – Returning officers count the ballots of parliamentary by-elections at a polling station of East Dagon township in Yangon, Myanmar on April 1, 2017
Myanmar’s military junta has started approving political parties ahead of expected elections in the country.
According to state broadcaster MRTV, 27 applications have been filed with the Union Election Commission to establish political parties.
The Ministry of Information said the junta has approved the formation of the Peace and Development Party and the New Generation Wamsanu Party.
However, applications from the People Power for Democracy Party, the Li Shaw National Party and three others were rejected.
So far, 21 political parties have been granted approval.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing previously pledged that elections would be held in December this year and January next year.
