UN says Myanmar junta elections will fuel violence

In this file photo taken on March 19, 2021 a protester jumps over a makeshift barricade during a crackdown by security forces on a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon's Thaketa township. - AFP

BANGKOK (AFP): Junta plans for elections in coup-hit Myanmar this year will "fuel greater violence", a United Nations special envoy said on Tuesday (Jan 31), calling for the international community to unite in opposition.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military toppled democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government almost two years ago, alleging massive fraud during elections her party won in 2020.