Description:
Recommendations: "Important progress has been started in
national politics under the government of
President Thein Sein. But as the countdown
accelerates towards a general election later
this year, there is a risk that political reform
and ethnic peace are faltering. To avoid this,
clear markers must be agreed of processes of
democratic reform that guarantee the rights
and involvement of all peoples and parties.
Constitutional reform and nationwide
peace will be essential, and it is vital that the
conduct of the general election is free and fair
to ensure momentum in political reform. An
inclusive political dialogue must be fostered
at the national level to move beyond the
practice of different parliamentary processes
and ethnic ceasefire talks that do not provide
a political roadmap for all citizens. It is vital
that reform accords promote justice and
cooperation, not exclusion and new divisions
in society and politics.
Inequitable distribution of political and
economic rights between the Burman-
majority centre of the country and the ethnic
minority borderlands continues to drive
conflict. Despite ceasefires in some regions,
fighting continues in others, furthering
mistrust and humanitarian suffering.
Military solutions cannot be imposed. If
ethnic grievances and aspirations are to be
addressed, political and economic reforms
must be the cornerstone of peace.
International aid is welcomed as a
support for socio-political reform. But as
programmes diversify, it is essential that
aid is targeted at the key political issues and
most vulnerable communities. Solutions will
not be found by only engaging, or building
up, a dominant government and military
system that does not represent the people;
rather, it will perpetuate conflict and state
failure"
Source/publisher:
Transnational Institute (TNI) - Myanmar Policy Briefing Nr 14 April 2015
Date of Publication:
2015-04-00
Date of entry:
2015-04-09
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English
Local URL:
Format:
pdf
Size:
651.69 KB