Most of the political parties set to contest the poll are allied to the junta. The following is a breakdown of the 63 parties based on The Irrawaddy’s findings.
Parties that have registered under new law all show close links with the military regime, while pro-democracy outfits like the NLD are shunning the planned poll.
Faced with a wave of assassinations and ever-increasing resistance, the regime will issue weapons licenses to military sympathizers, junta officials and informants.
With the regime struggling to replace striking government employees, music and dance shows are being staged to try and boost the morale of civil servants.