DECODING MYANMAR’S 2015 ELECTION

Abstract

The election helps the democratization process move forward. However, the nature of power transition suggests that some authoritarian elements are likely to remain entrenched. The article (which gives a full account of the election including the election process, the parties involved, the results and the negotiations following the elections including those involving Aung Sang Suu Kyi) argues that holding of a free and fair election is important for democratization but does not guarantee a successful transition to consolidated democracy.

Keywords:

• Democracy
• democratization process
• democratic transition
• election
• military

Notes

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3. Thomas Fuller, ‘Myanmar's Military Uses Political Force to Block Constitutional Changes’. New York Times, June 25, 2015. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/world/asia/myanmar-parliament-constitution-vote.html?_r=0 (accessed December 11, 2015).

4. The protests against the military regime, which were initially started by students in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) on 8 August, spread throughout the country by people from all walks of life, including hundreds of thousands of monks, children, youngsters, university students, housewives and doctors. The uprising ended on 18 September after a bloody military coup by SLORC. The number of deaths was estimated to be in the thousands.

5. Ei Ei Toe Lwin, ‘Outspoken Politician didn’t Make NLD Cut’. Myanmar Times, August 5, 2015. Available at: http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/15831-outspoken-politician-didn-t-make-nld-cut.html (accessed December 5, 2015).

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7. Ma Ba Tha or Patriotic Association of Myanmar is a Buddhist organization formally formed at a conference of Buddhist monks in Mandalay with the mission of defending Theravada Buddhism.

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31. VOA News, ‘Outgoing Myanmar President: Election Results Will be Honored’. November 15, 2015. Available at: http://www.voanews.com/content/outgoing-myanmar-president-says-election-results-will-be-honored/3058759.html (accessed December 18, 2015).

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