Myanmar Democratisation

Myanmar is presently witnessing a major change towards democratic values. The National League for Democracy (NLD) under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi has won Myanmar’s Presidential election with a big margin. NLD won 80 percent of the seats both in the Lower House as well as in the Upper House of the parliament. Along with that they won 75 percent of seats in the regional legislatures. Myanmar had over five decades of military rule and about four years of ‘guided democracy’ or semi-democracy. After such a long period of military rule transition to democracy towards democracy is not complete in Myanmar. Though the president and one vice-president in the new administration will be of NLD’s choice, the second vice-president will be chosen by the military. Similarly, the military will retain control over the three top ministries - defence, home and border affairs. All this will have significant impact on Myanmar’s relationship with other countries. India will also have to balance its approach because problem of insurgency has significant relation with Myanmar’s defence and border affairs ministry.

Another important development is Aung San Suu Kyi has been allowed to become the president of the country. Although she has put her closest aide as President, still it would have been better for India has Aung San Suu Kyi has been allowed to become President. India also needs to be careful with developing relationship between Myanmar and China. Suu Kyi had recently visited China, which still retains considerable economic interests in Myanmar. Although Suu Kyi’s family’s has very close links with India, but she has expressed her disquiet over New Delhi not being sufficiently proactive on the issue of Myanmar’s democratisation. However, both countries are likely to continue to maintain robust military-to-military relations.

Process of democratisation started with the new Myanmar constitution of 2008. It led to a new parliament, which holds the prospect of reconciliation among the three stakeholders in Myanmar: the military, the political parties and the ethnic groups. This democratisation will improve the countries economic situation. It has seen big isolation from outside world for a long time. Democratisation in Myanmar would restore the balance in its polity and help address the issue of developmental neglect in minority dominated border provinces. As the ASEAN members (and the world community) take note of China’s assertion in the South China Sea and China’s access to the Indian Ocean, a growing interest in Myanmar’s democratisation process is a welcome development.

Former Prime Minister India Manmohan Singh visited Myanmar in 2012. This was the first visit of Indian PM in 25 years. India needed to balance the two things, first is giving preference todemocratisation and second to engage with the junta for ensuring security in the insurgency-affected North-East. India will continue to do it with junta keeping important portfolio’s with themself. Myanmar is also extremely important for the development of N-E states. Myanmar’s role is essential in India’s Act East Policy.

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