Myanmar in Transition: Political struggles on the way to democracy

To what extent are there democratic developments in Myanmar? My paper highlights the democratic transition in Myanmar by portraying an overview of the process and actions in its struggle for democracy. The transitional process is triggered by the change in the regime's/government's perception concerning the adoption of general election. However, the fact that the military still practices suppression against the citizens continues to limit the democratization process, especially on the question of human rights. The paper also shows that the military suppression is challenged by resistance groups, both unorganized (such as villagers resisting their recruitment into forced labour), and organized, such as the freedom movement of Aung San Suu Kyi. The paper thus questions the kind of "democracy" which exists in tandem with undemocratic practices. Democracy should not only about implementing elections, but more substantially, it should include effective respect towards democratic freedoms...Show moreTo what extent are there democratic developments in Myanmar? My paper highlights the democratic transition in Myanmar by portraying an overview of the process and actions in its struggle for democracy. The transitional process is triggered by the change in the regime's/government's perception concerning the adoption of general election. However, the fact that the military still practices suppression against the citizens continues to limit the democratization process, especially on the question of human rights. The paper also shows that the military suppression is challenged by resistance groups, both unorganized (such as villagers resisting their recruitment into forced labour), and organized, such as the freedom movement of Aung San Suu Kyi. The paper thus questions the kind of "democracy" which exists in tandem with undemocratic practices. Democracy should not only about implementing elections, but more substantially, it should include effective respect towards democratic freedoms in everyday practice. Although Myanmar currently adopted an electoral democratic system, stimulates tourism, modernization and economic growth, yet the failure to respect political, social and economic rights has placed Myanmar in a category of semi-democracy. The question is whether the reforms are only used to create an image of good governance in order to attract international support and investments, or to work towards a substantial democracy after all.Show less

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Myanmar in Transition: Political struggles on the way to democracy