Critics of army rule in Myanmar stage a silent strike against upcoming election

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar have staged a joint protest calling on people to stay indoors to show they are boycotting elections scheduled for late this month. Their call on Wednesday defied harsh legal penalties for attempting to disrupt the polls. Critics argue the Dec. 28 elections will not be free or fair and view them as an attempt by the military to legitimize its rule after seizing power in February 2021. Wednesday is International Human Rights Day. The “silent strike” tactic has been used on special occasions since the military takeover.