Myanmar's generals take center stage in coronavirus battle

Suu Kyi's civilian government overshadowed by active military response to pandemic

20200421N Myanmar military REUTERS

Myanmar's military is deploying personnel and donating pay toward the coronavirus fight. © Reuters

YUICHI NITTA, Nikkei staff writer

YANGON -- Myanmar's military has taken the lead in managing the country's novel coronavirus outbreak, a sign that the armed forces could once again rise to dominate politics here.

This has serious implications for the ruling National League for Democracy, a party helmed by Myanmar's de facto leader, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Even if the country comes out relatively unscathed in the fight against COVID-19, the NLD could suffer a setback from military proxy parties during this November's general election.

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