An interesting article from Asia Times points out that
Burma (Myanmar) may be returning to constitutional rule. International pressure on the military regime that has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1988 has forced them to make some changes, though the failing health of the leading general, Than Shwe, has made this even more complicated as none of the other leading generals trusts the others and Than Shwe refuses to step aside. Than Shwe wants to remain president under the new constitutional government. This is unlikely because he likely doesn't have long to live. However, any move away from direct military rule is welcome news.
Any move away from direct military rule should be taken with a grain of salt. The national convention has been decried as a sham by political and ethnic groups that haven't signed cease-fires or work hand in glove with the junta.
ReplyDeleteEven still, the convention has been dragging on for nearly a decade - people consistently remain optimistic about these sorts of things, and the junta consistently dissapoints. Last year, everyone was sure they were on the brink of releasing ASSK - instead, they prolonged her sentence.
They have been working to consolidate their power toward this end, and the day they are willing to hold an election is likely the day they are confident any and all opposition has been obliterated. The 'constitution' will do no more to protect the rights of those currently bearing the brunt of their abuse. These current actions are fairly consistent with their efforts to build a homogenous Burmese State, with no real loss of power for themselves and no real gain of power or freedom for the people. They are wolves preparing to put on sheep's clothing. Creating a political system and calling it democracy does not democracy make. The problems plaguing Burma's people go far beyond the right to vote in rigged elections.
I don't doubt that you're right about this. But I think that even the facade of democracy is better than what there is now. At least it could build expectations for further advances over coming years.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with a facade is that it lulls people into complacency. If we praise superficial changes without challenging the junta on their lies, then the situation will never change. This is exactly what they do - take superficial and meaningless actions that they try to sell as progress.
ReplyDeleteBesides - Burma's conflict was a direct result of the first constitution and administration trampling the political rights of ethnic minorities. A new constitution that brings any measure of democracy - but repeats the same mistake of centralizing power in the hands of the Burmans will only perpetuate the same problems they've had over the last 60 years. Even worse if the constitution implements a "form" of democracy that is really not democracy at all, and further consolidates the centralized power with an elite group of ethnic Burmans.
Besides all of this, it is important to acknowledge that democracy does not always entail a respect for human rights on the part of the government. The struggle in Burma is for more than just democracy. And we shouldn't take it for granted that the people suffering violence and displacement have the time to wait for maybe changes sometime in the future.