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General election seen as crucial next step for democracy in Myanmar scheduled for Nov. 8

Associated Press
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In this June 8, 2015 photo, Myanmar Union Election Commission chairman Tin Aye speaks during a meeting with the media at Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon, Myanmar. General election seen as a crucial next step for Myanmar's transition to democracy has been scheduled for Nov. 8. The announcement signed by Tin Aye was posted Wednesday, July 8, 2015 on the commission's website. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

In this June 8, 2015 photo, Myanmar Union Election Commission chairman Tin Aye speaks during a meeting with the media at Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon, Myanmar. General election seen as a crucial next step for Myanmar's transition to democracy has been scheduled for Nov. 8. The announcement signed by Tin Aye was posted Wednesday, July 8, 2015 on the commission's website. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

A general election seen as a crucial next step for Myanmar's transition to democracy has been scheduled for Nov. 8.

The announcement signed by Union Election Commission chairman Tin Aye was posted Wednesday on the commission's website.

The last general election in 2010 was widely seen as rigged in favor of a military-backed party that won the lion's share of parliamentary seats.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party boycotted the polls as unfair but took part in later by-elections conducted under new rules, winning almost all seats it contested.

Suu Kyi's party, which seeks more changes in the constitution, has not yet committed to taking part in the new polls.