Description:
Conclusion:
"Myanmar goes to the polls in 2015 in a very different political context to the
general elections in 2010 or 1990. Indeed, provided that political campaigning
and the conduct of the polls are genuinely free and fair, it should become
the most broadly contested election since independence in 1948. Yet, while
political space has opened up and there have been many reforms since
President Thein Sein assumed office in 2011, core ethnic aspirations have yet
to be realized ? either through parliament or the national peace process. The
country and its politics remain polarized and ethnicity highly politicized.
For this reason, while the elections have the potential to be reasonably
credible and inclusive (although far from uniformly so) and ethnic parties
may fare reasonably well, it is not clear that the structures and processes in
Myanmar politics are at present capable of effectively addressing the legacy
of decades of ethnic conflict and discrimination that continue to leave many
communities in the country neglected and marginalised.
It is therefore vital that the election is closely monitored and openly pursued
and that, whatever the outcome, it is not perceived as an end itself but
another step in a reform process that still has a long way to run in bringing
peace, equality and democratic rights to all the country?s peoples.
A historic challenge awaits Myanmar?s leaders through the 2015 polls. As with
the peace talks towards a nationwide ceasefire, they provide the opportunity
for different parties to work constructively together in building a democratic
future for the country. The question remains: will the 2015 election become
the platform from which the issues of ethnic peace and inclusive reform are
really grappled with, or will they result in another failed opportunity to do so?"
Source/publisher:
Transnational Institute (TNI)
Date of Publication:
2015-09-08
Date of entry:
2015-11-07
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English, Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
Local URL:
Format:
pdf pdf
Size:
256.04 KB 2.69 MB