Progress in Myanmar

Myanmar is still far from being a democracy, but it appears as if the army is ready to give up most of its power.

During his annual State of the Union address on January 24, US President Barack Obama made mention of the ongoing process of democratic reforms in Myanmar that was kick-started in March 2011, and has been gaining momentum ever since. Similarly, President Asif Zardari’s visit to Myanmar and his emphasis on strengthening trade ties with the country is a representation of the progress emerging there. Although previous experience should teach us to be cautious in our optimism, it does indeed seem as if the country is on the path to some kind of democracy. In January, the military junta that has brutally ruled the country released more than 600 political prisoners and specifically allowed them to become part of the political process. That same month, the government signed a peace deal with the Karen National Union, which had been waging an armed struggle.

Myanmar is still far from being a democracy, but after decades of brutality and suppression, it appears as if the army is finally ready to give up most of its power and allow the civilians to have a say in the running of the country’s affairs. The international community has responded in kind and is now considering lifting sanctions on the country. This would be a wise move as the flooding of European and US money, goods and influence should help speed up the liberalisation process. The next test for the military will be the by-elections that are to be held on April 1. Among the candidates is Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. The opposition group, the National League for Democracy, has also announced that it will take part in the by-elections. Should the elections proceed smoothly and the process gets certified by independent international groups, it will be the strongest sign yet, that the military is actually serious on reform. Just a year ago, Myanmar was an international pariah. The rapid speed of change has been to the credit of the tireless opposition that has suffered death, prison and torture to advance its cause.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2012.