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Burma: Towards Democracy
Other | Monday 9th November 2015 | Joe
Having been ripped apart by military dictatorship and civil war over the past 50 years, Burma took a huge step towards a democratic future today. Having won more than 90% of the initial votes, victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party appears almost certain. What's this all about? and why is it so important?
Burma: A Background
Until the Second World War, Burma was part of British Empire for over 100 years. Like many other places - such as India, the Caribbean and West Africa - Burma saw a wave of pro-independence in the aftermath of the global conflict. Revolutionary Aung San - whose daughter is on the verge of winning today's election - led the fight for independence, which was completed in 1948.
After a short-lived period as a democratic republic, the military grew impatient with the political leadership, and decided to take over themselves in 1962. The military made Burma into an oppressive socialist republic, with one political party and no allowance for civil protest.
Aung San Suu Kyi
As leader of the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi posed a serious threat to the military dictatorship. Whilst she won a majority of the vote and parliamentary seats in 1990, she had been placed under house arrest for her political views and therefore could not take her deserved position as leader of her nation.
During more than 15 years of house arrest, Suu Kyi became a hero for her commitment to her political goals. Her vigil became legendary, convicing a number of political protestors to lobby for her release, yet she has also been the target of numerous attacks by political opponents. Now in her 70s, Suu Kyi looks set to fulfil the revolutionary dreams of her father.
Today's Election
The current election in Burma (a.k.a Myanmar) looks set to be a massive victory for the progressive NLD. Whilst questions continue about the legitimacy of the electoral results, it appears that the Burmese public have overwhelmingly backed the party of their national heroine.
This is no small step towards democracy. Burma continues to endure many problems - economic, social, and political - even before its history of bribery and corruption and civil warfare is brought back up. This is not to say that Suu Kyi is a national messiah who will fix things instantly. The celebrations have begun but Burma faces a long struggle to become a modern democracy.
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