By-election mania in Myanmar

Bangkokpost, March 29, 2012 ... 

YANGON - Optimism is running high for the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its formidable leader Aung San Suu Kyi to win in Sunday's by-elections and discussions are now focussing on how soon they can deliver reforms, address poverty and handle ethnic reconciliation.

Myanmar media has treated the people through social media and YouTube with colorful full-page images of the NLD leader wherever she has campaigned.

Taxis displaying small NLD flags traversing the streets of Yangon are a common sight even though none of the by-elections is taking place in the former capital.

"Naturally, we have to cover her campaign on a daily basis. It's an overwhelming moment for Myanmar people to welcome her presence and note her liberty to tour the country," said Maung Wuntha, a renowned senior journalist with The People's Age.

Khin Zaw Win, director of an influential development advocacy group Tampadipa Institute, said it is Obama-like mania as people are eager to meet and greet her everywhere, as if this was a general election.

The NLD is contesting 45 seats in the 664-member parliament, which was installed by the November 2010 election under the auspices of the military regime.

While over a hundred of international observers from the United States, the European Union, Asean, Japan, China and South Korea are in town to monitor the by-elections and see that they are free and fair, those involved are confident the polls will be credible.

"Of course, there are undesirable things popping up, but those irregularities are not substantial, unlike the sham organisation we saw in 2010. After all, a credible election will be a bargaining chip for the government in exchange for eventual or partial lifting of international sanctions," said U Wuntha, chair of the National Press Award Committee.

He said a dozen political parties are running in the election and had representatives observing the ballot's cast and vote counting.

A Shan living in Yangon, 42-year-old Nang Susala, said she would vote for the NLD and Ms Suu Kyi as she appreciated her policies and plans.

"She is well-educated, I'm confident that she will lead our country into a better future. Also, I hope that she can build trust with the Shan and other ethnic groups and she will respect our identities," said Ms Nang Susala, who comes from Mayangone township, 13km from Yangon.

U Wuntha noted the expected election of the Noble laureate to the parliament will add favourably to democratisation as "The Lady" - as she is known - carries significant weight to draw the attention of the government and the international community.

He said there was strong wishful thinking that potential collaboration between the former archrivals NLD and the military will signal national reconciliation.

The 67-year-old U Wuntha hoped Myanmar will be transformed in a similar way as South Africa instead of Zimbabwe where democracy is replacing authoritarian rule.

The peace advocate Khin Zaw Win noted that the honeymoon period for the NLD and Suu Kyi with the government might not be long enough as there is a long list of things to do.
After Sunday Myanmar will be ushered into new uncertain terrain, said the 62-year Zaw Win, "As they will be poised to build up an amicable relationship with the military echelon, it is a big challenge for the country and for Suu Kyi to translate their convictions into reform measures, to bring about a better livelihood for the impoverished 55 million population, and restore a sustainable peace process with the ethnic groups."

Myanmar has been plagued with civil wars since its independence in 1948. Over 150,000 refugees remained encamped along the Thai border, not to mention millions of migrants who seek jobs that were not available at home.

Khin Zaw Win, a former dentist, saw the potential coalition government between Suu Kyi and the ruling parties will have both positive and undesirable effects for the country's future political landscape.

"Once Suu Kyi is made a cabinet minister, international assistance should gradually flow in. Her engagement with the bureaucracy to pull the bureaucratic locomotive should also come about. But this will distance and detach her from the NLD and limit her criticism against her own government," said Khin Zaw Win.

U Wuntha agreed that there were unspoken concerns among intellectuals as to whether a multi-party system featuring Suu Kyi in a predominant role will be sustainable, particularly in the context of the next election in 2015.

"No doubt Myanmar is embarking on the right path towards democracy, but how slow or fast will be a challenge. Also, how ethnic issues are resolved in the manner that will not see us become the next Yugoslavia remains a vital question too," said the journalist and a former NLD candidate elected in the 1990 election.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/286567/by-election-mania-in-myanmar