Movement for Democracy in Myanmar

The present volume is an attempt to examine various aspects relevant to the movement for democracy in Myanmar and its prospects. Tracing the history of parliamentary democracy from 1948-1958 and 1960-1962, factors responsible for its failure are highlighted and the circumstances responsible for the military takeover are discussed elaborately taking into account all major events and developments. The military government brought sweeping changes with the adoption of a policy known as Burmese Way to Socialism. Consequently, it remained in isolation from 1964, losing membership of the Commonwealth and the country by decrees. Series of resistance to the regime flared up occasionally but were cursed brutally. Intensive “military campaigns” against the ethnic rebels and leftist guerillas were launched. On the economic front, poor experience of the military in the management of economic affairs resulted in utter failure with low GDP far short to target, rampant bureaucratic corruption, and ever rising black marketeering, unemployment and underemployment and uncontrollable inflation and increasing foreign debt. In 1987, the UN declared Myanmar as the Least developed Country in the world much to the dismay of the Myanmarese, a proud people. Series of demonstrations, spearheaded by the students took place in 1988 marking the beginning of a mass movement for democracy in the country. Hundreds of demonstrators were killed. Three governments fell in quick succession. This compelled the Government to held the fresh elections on democratic to held the fresh elections on democratic line. Newly formed NLD led Aung San Suu Kyi won a landside majority in the elections held in May 1990. Ethnic based political Parties too sided with the NLD. However, till today, even after more than 15 years since the announcement of the election results the military junta has refused to hand over power to the civilians on some excuse or the other which has invited widespread international condemnation. In the midst of neighbours India and china specially have legitimized the military junta becoming closer. Prospects for restoration of democracy look to be a distant dream now. As is evident, military dictatorships do not survive long. Myanmar cannot be an exception. Sharing of political power with the military is probably the only visible available alternative. Will it happen? The present volume analyses these aspects.