In Myanmar Polls, International Approval Doesn’t Matter

Junta attempts to mollify China, India, and to consolidate power

Min Aung Hlaing casts ballot in Naypyidaw. Photo by Thet Aung / AFP

Myanmar Sunday finished up its three-stage election amid international criticism that characterized it as a sham, with much of the outside world wondering why the junta had bothered with a patently fraudulent exercise. Opposition parties weren’t allowed to participate, with only perhaps …