Myanmar’s announcement that it will hold by-elections in 55 constituencies next April appears, at first glance, to be a relatively minor electoral development. The seats include 34 in the lower house, five in the upper house and 16 in state or regional legislatures. The vote will also take place in areas that could not participate in the previous election because of conflict, including at least seven towns recently recaptured by the military. The results are unlikely to transform parliament. The