Will the Real Union Election Commission Please Stand up?
Moe Thuzar
Recent decisions by Myanmar’s election commission put it in the 8 November election spotlight.
Articles
Student Protests in Thailand: The End of Political Quiescence
Michael J. Montesano
Recent mass students protests in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand have forced the hand of the government. If the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha does resign, it could signal a victory for the protesters – or a determination on the part of hard-line elements in the military and the palace.
Nahdlatul Ulama versus Jokowi: The NU Normal?
Ahmad Najib Burhani
The Nahdlatul Ulama has previously thrown its full support behind the government of Joko Widodo. Its recent criticism of the president’s decision to press on with regional polls and the Omnibus Law suggests a parting of ways.
Is It Time to Open Borders?
Jayant Menon
The asymmetry in the treatment of national and international movement with regard to the management of the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer justified. If coupled with robust testing and tracing, opening up borders can deliver economic benefits without significantly raising health risks.
Indonesian Muslim Groups Oppose Omnibus Law
Syafiq Hasyim
President Jokowi’s unpopular job creation law creates a new rift with Indonesia’s leading Islamic groups.
Myanmar: Social Media Holds Little Sway on Voting Patterns
Moe Thuzar
A recent pre-election survey has confirmed the conventional wisdom that voter attitudes are entrenched and will be influenced little by the barrage of social media campaigns.
Welcome and Vet: Investments from China in Southeast Asia
Victor Teo
In this geostrategic climate, Southeast Asian countries should welcome rather than reject investment from China for their own developmental needs. This is likely to entice competing investments from the West and Japan.
The South China Sea, a fault line in China-Russia relations?
Ian Storey
The South China Sea poses a stress test in Russia-China relations, pitting China’s excessive claims against Russian energy interests.
Biden or Trump? Southeast Asia’s Stakes in the US Election
Daljit Singh
A check list of the differences Southeast Asia can expect if Joe Biden wins the US presidential election or Donald Trump is returned to the White House.
Covid-19 or Not, Myanmar Will Go to the Polls as Scheduled
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
Despite a wave of Covid-19 infections in the country, in particular in Yangon, the authorities are determined that the 8 November polls will be conducted as scheduled.