Myanmar army-backed parties set to sweep rare poll
Myanmar's military will keep its grip on power after the country's first election in 20 years through parties that emerged on Monday as the likely winners of a vote marred by fraud, and condemned by Washington and London. Complex rules for Sunday's election thwarted any chance of a pro-democracy upset as Myanmar ends half a century of direct army rule. State TV said voters "freely and happily" cast ballots, but witness accounts suggested low turn-out and irregularities.
Illustrating strains multi-ethnic Myanmar has faced for decades, a clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in the border town of Myawaddy, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side. At least 10 people were wounded, witnesses said.
The Guardian: Burma election observers report voter intimidation