Myanmar Prez promises smooth transfer of power

The party’s success has relied heavily on the almost supernatural aura of its leader Aung San Suu Kyi, channeled effectively by a campaign that elevated “Mother Suu” over any substantial discussion of platform or policy.

Both the president, Thein Sein, and Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the armed forces, congratulated Ms Suu Kyi last week. Suu Kyi has listed the promotion of “national reconciliation” as a priority.

Myanmar’s President Thein Sein today said historic polls won in a thumping landslide by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party were the outcome of his government’s reforms and vowed a smooth transition of power. Thein Sein, a former general, became president after the 2010 general elections, which the military government had organized in accordance with its own seven-step roadmap for the transition to democracy.

Burned into public memory is the bitter disappointment of 1990 elections, which were won overwhelmingly by the NLD only to be ignored by the military, who clung to power for another two decades.

Asked what would happen if the NLD and the Tatmadaw would have problems tackling the “all-inclusive” aspect, he replied that the country’s leaders should not forget the root of Myanmar’s difficulties.

Still, many believe her government will be more sympathetic than the outgoing Union Solidarity and Development Party, which was created by the country’s former junta and led by retired military officers.

The military has indicated it will abide by the election results. Myanmar’s population is made up of 135 ethnic groups.

Under the 2008 constitution, the military has kept key levers of power in its hands, including the appointment of the ministers for defence, interior and border affairs.

As long as the ethnic minorities’ demand for federalism is not addressed, the military, as an institution, will continue to have concerns about the possible disintegration of the union.

Nyan Win, a spokesman for Suu Kyi’s opposition National League for Democracy party, confirmed that it was a first for “The Lady”.

The NLD leader snubbed an invitation to attend the October 15 ceremony and the party turned down the possibility of being a domestic “witness” to the NCA signing. The personality of candidates did not play a significant role.

For a few people, however, Suu Kyi’s halo began to slip several years ago, she added.

The NLD also faces a powerful local rival – the Arakan National Party (ANP) – that has been accused of stoking anti-Muslim sentiment and has called for the deportation of Rohingya.

The reform of the military – which wields considerable influence in politics, business and other areas of Myanmar society under the constitution – into a law-abiding, professional body that is exclusively responsible for national defense is another challenge facing the nation’s democratization efforts. In a word, the army chief, and not any elected government, is the ultimate authority in Myanmar. To support her monumental cause, New Delhi must not only promote the Indian Army’s security coordination with Myanmar’s military, but, more importantly, assist in moulding a successful multi-ethnic federal polity by training the next generation of non-violent activists to follow Ms Suu Kyi, who is now a septuagenarian.

This article was first published on November 16, 2015.