Democracy News

Burma's NLD to Re-Enter Political Process; US Announces Clinton Visit
November 22, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

Recent events in Burma have indicated a growing shift towards political liberalization and a positive move towards democracy.  Under the reforms led by President Thein Sein, a member of the former military junta, a human rights commission was established, media restrictions were lifted and approximately 200 political prisoners were released.  While many are still cautious, the remarkable pace of change in Burma has stunned observers inside and outside the country. 

On November 18, Burma's National League for Democracy (NLD) announced that it would register to run in the next still-unscheduled by-elections.  BBC News reported that after years of working outside the political system, the NLD unanimously decided to end their boycott and to enter candidates for all 48 vacant seats.  It was also reported that Aung San Suu Kyi, the General Secretary of the NLD, would also run for a seat.  Re-entry of the NLD is seen as an important signal in reconciliation efforts. 

The NLD won in a landslide victory in the country's 1990 elections, however the military junta ignored the results.  After the election, Burma suffered from intense repression.  Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for a significant portion of the last 21 years, and was only recently released last year.  While new elections took place in November 2010 to supposedly shift towards a civilian government, many criticized the elections as further military consolidation.  Due to election laws, Suu Kyi was barred from running, and the NLD boycotted the vote.  The new government lifted the restriction this year.        

According to the Washington Post, United States (US) President Obama recently announced that he was sending Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Burma, the first visit by a US Secretary of State in 50 years.  This signals a warming of diplomatic ties between the US and Burma, whose previous repressive policies have led to sanctions by the West.  According to the BBC, Obama spoke with Suu Kyi and received her support before deciding to send Clinton. 

These developments came a day after leaders of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed that Burma would chair the regional bloc in 2014.  It was previously denied the rotating presidency because of its deplorable human rights record.

While skeptics fear that Burma is being rewarded too quickly, it appears that the government is taking concrete actions.  As stated by President Obama, "if Burma fails to move down the path of reform it will continue to face sanctions and isolation."  However, these recent events "could be an historic opportunity for progress."

For previous news on Burma, please see:
Aung San Suu Kyi's Cautious Optimism for the Future of Burma

Burma Establishes National Human Rights Commission, International Observers Remain Skeptical

Sources:
BBC News – Aung San Suu Kyi to stand for parliament in Burma

BBC News - Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi targets by-election seat

The Washington Post – Clinton to become first U.S. secretary of state to visit Burma in 50 years