Description:
Introduction: "Elections due on 8th November are obviously
significant, but they are unlikely to be the major
turning point in a transition to democracy that
many hope for or have talked them up to be.
Rather, they will be another step in the military?s
carefully planned transition from direct military rule
and pariah status to a hybrid military and civilian
government which is accepted by the international
community and sections of Burmese society.
Burma?s 2008 Constitution is designed to present
the appearance of democracy, while maintaining
ultimate military control. It is also specifically
designed for the eventuality of the National League
for Democracy (NLD) winning elections and forming
a government, without this being a threat to military
control. They were not prepared, however, to risk
having Aung San Suu Kyi, the most popular and
influential politician in Burma, head that government.
Clauses were put in the Constitution to prevent this.
A government which is predominantly made up
of genuine civilians, which is largely, if indirectly,
chosen by citizens, and which has some level of
accountability to its citizens, will be an improvement
over direct military rule or a military backed
government packed full of former generals.
But even if the NLD does win the election and
forms a government, the Constitution ensures it
will be severely hamstrung, and unable to deliver
fundamental democratic reforms which reduce the
control of the military over every level of Burmese
politics and the economy..."
Source/publisher:
Burma Campaign, UK
Date of Publication:
2015-10-00
Date of entry:
2015-11-11
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English