Voter confidence in Democrats and Republicans regarding the handling of the economy is evenly split, according to recent polling, highlighting the challenge both parties face on a central matter ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Nearly five years after the coup, Myanmar is poorer, hungrier, and plagued by blackouts. Few believe the upcoming election will change anything.

Republicans are reframing their messaging on the economy after Democrats overperformed on affordability in this year's elections.

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

Against this backdrop, all eyes are now set on the February election, which is politically significant as Bangladesh is going through a political transition. But economy is no less significant than politics. A credible election might be able to clear the clouds hovering over the future investment.