National News

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• USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal
• State hluttaws: new centres of power?
• ‘When Kayah is peaceful again, people will return’: U Aung Min
• Ten battleground townships to watch
• Armed groups detail Pangkham demands
• Tatmadaw artillery sends more fleeing from Wan Hai
• President makes a stop in Rakhine State
• President warns of Arab Spring-style violence
• Tourist numbers slump by up to 50% ahead of vote
• Eight bodies recovered, scores still missing

USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal Posted: 04 Nov 2015 07:00 AM PST The Union Solidarity and Development Party has dismissed as a rumour a report that Thura U Shwe Mann had been dismissed from the party, saying that it appeared "because the election is getting nearer".

State hluttaws: new centres of power? Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:18 AM PST A strong showing by ethnic parties on November 8 could pressure Nay Pyi Taw into granting more authority to state parliaments

‘When Kayah is peaceful again, people will return’: U Aung Min Posted: 04 Nov 2015 01:55 AM PST Shadaw is one of the country's smallest constituencies, with just over 4000 voters. Yet it is also the setting for a curious battle between the USDP, the NLD and a key ally of President U Thein Sein, U Aung Min, who leads the government's peace negotiations. In his campaign office, U Aung Min tells senior reporter Wa Lone about the challenges of canvassing in a township where roads are often impassable in wet weather, armed ethnic groups remain active and few of the residents understand Myanmar language.

Ten battleground townships to watch Posted: 04 Nov 2015 01:42 AM PST Some constituencies' results were predictable even before campaigning began, but with just four days before the vote, others remain too close to call. Fierce competition, a divided populace – some areas will come down to the wire, and if all fall one way, the rest of the country is sure to follow. We asked chief political reporter Ei Ei Toe Lwin to select 10 bellwethers she'll be keeping a close eye on as the results roll in.

Armed groups detail Pangkham demands Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST A summit of leaders of armed ethnic groups outside the nationwide ceasefire agreement ended yesterday with demands for a political dialogue with Myanmar's next government and a peace process that would also involve China's direct participation.

Tatmadaw artillery sends more fleeing from Wan Hai Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Terrified villagers driven from their homes by heavy weapons fire are now facing the loss of their livelihoods. Many of the civilians displaced by the fighting in southern Shan State are farmers, and they are too afraid of the continuing artillery barrage in the conflict zone to harvest their crops.

President makes a stop in Rakhine State Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST President U Thein Sein yesterday paid a visit to the Rakhine State capital where his Union Solidarity and Development Party is facing a tough challenge from the ethnic opposition the Arakan National Party.

President warns of Arab Spring-style violence Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST A video posted on the Facebook page of President U Thein Sein raising the spectre of bloodshed and chaos akin to the Arab Spring aftermath if his party loses power on November 8 has drawn an angry response on social media.

Tourist numbers slump by up to 50% ahead of vote Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Bemoaning a fall in clients of up to 50 percent, travel agency operators are crossing their fingers for an orderly election next month. Amid booking cancellations and a slump in interest, many agents are hoping for a rebound next year, under a stable government and a new president.

Eight bodies recovered, scores still missing Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST At least eight passengers, including seven women, are dead and as many as 70 are still missing following the sinking of a boat on the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region. The Ya Zar Tun sank at about 5:30am on November 1 on its way from Monywa to Sae Zin.

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