Myanmar’s political elections took place exactly one year ago. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory, taking 396 out of 476 seats.
Although there were some flaws (disenfranchisement in some ethnic areas was definitely an issue, and under the 2008 Constitution, elections will never be democratic anyway), there was no doubt that the result of the elections was representative of the people’s will, as many independent observers confirmed.
(ANFREL for example, released a full report about the elections https://anfrel.org/anfrel-releases-2020-myanmar-general…/)
Despite an underwhelming first term (at least for some), Daw Aung San Suu Kyi enjoys an incredible support among the Bamar population. But most of all, the results of elections, proved how strongly people reject the Burmese military and its USDP party.
“Voter fraud” rumors and conspiracy theories started to spread online even before the elections. Mimicking Donald Trump, the pro-military political party USDP, denounced irregularities, and called for a re-run of the elections just a few days after the results were released.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) rejected the baseless USDP claims and the NLD refused to negotiate with General Min Aung Hlaing.
Fears of a military coup started in January and became stronger as February was approaching.
What is happening in Myanmar is proof that “democracy” is much more than elections. Holding elections is not enough, especially in a country where the constitutions guarantees so much power, independence and lack of accountability to such a violent army.
Even if Min Aung Hlaing guaranteed to hold new elections, the people cannot trust him: the generals will always do anything to keep their power, including arresting all NLD members and destroying the opposition. But if Min Aung Hlaing thinks this will guarantee his win, he’s wrong (once again).
Today is the anniversary of the will of the people, because no matter what Min Aung Hlaing does and no matter if he jails all his opponents: Myanmar people will always reject the military rule.
The regime must fall
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