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The Turbulent Fall of Myanmar's Democratic Aspirations: A detailed Analysis

The Sudden Coup and Immediate Aftermath

In the early hours of February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, abruptly seized control of the country, marking a dramatic and unexpected turn away from its fragile democratic experiment. Just hours before the newly elected parliament was set to convene following the November 2020 general elections—an election overwhelmingly won by the National League for Democracy (NLD)—the military initiated its coup, detaining key political figures including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Over 40 government officials affiliated with the NLD were also detained as part of the military's swift takeover.