Asia

Myanmar To Prosecute Suu Kyi Over Alleged Election Fraud

Widespread electoral fraud allegations were the main reason cited by the military for its Feb. 1 seizure of power that toppled Suu Kyi's government.

Myanmar To Prosecute Suu Kyi Over Alleged Election Fraud
Aung Shine Oo / AP
SMS

Myanmar's state election commission on Tuesday announced it is prosecuting the country's ousted civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and 15 other senior political figures for alleged fraud in last November's general election.

Allegations of widespread electoral fraud were the main reason cited by the military for its Feb. 1 seizure of power that toppled Suu Kyi's government.

Her National League for Democracy party was about to begin a second five-year term in office after its landslide victory in the polls.

The army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party suffered unexpectedly heavy losses.

Independent observers found no evidence of substantive irregularities in the polls.

The action by the Union Election Commission could potentially result in Suu Kyi's party being dissolved and unable to participate in a new election the military has promised will take place within two years of its takeover.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.