Joe Kumbun explains why the victorious AA has halted its conquests in Rakhine, and three townships remain under junta control—for now.

Visiting Magwe, a resistance stronghold, the junta boss claimed his planned poll has international backing; he urged troops and locals to ‘do their duty’ and vote.

Locals fear fresh fighting and regime airstrikes, as public anger grows over mediator China’s silence on civilian casualties.