November election a step towards democracy, Myanmar-style
There is reason for cautious optimism the procedural aspects of the 2020 elections will be fair, as the population demands. But there’s still cause for pessimism about the near-term prospects for Myanmar’s democracy.
With 93 political parties participating and 37 million potential voters, Myanmar’s November 8 elections are another important step on an ill-defined road towards more representative, responsive governance. It is a road without a clear end, strewn with potholes and dangerous political, social and economic curves.
Myanmar’s election will be seen as another notch in the democratic process. It is likely to be generally free and fair. Restrictions, however, will abound in the Rakhine region where fighting persists.
Loading...
David Steinberg is distinguished professor emeritus of Asian Studies at Georgetown University.
