Problems and Prospects of Democratic Transition in Myanmar

Abstract

For decades, democracy has always been a dream to almost all the citizens of Myanmar. The road to achieve democracy seems to have no destination. However, democratic transition in Myanmar has finally taken place under the military set up and general election was held under the new constitution in 2010. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), a party backed by the military secured 80 percent of the valid votes polled in the election. The subsequent election held in 2015 has been a historic landmark in the path of Myanmar democracy, ending almost 50 years of military rule. Despite the NLD came into power, redressing the grievances of the ethnic minorities and power sharing with the military remained the greatest challenges lying ahead.

Keywords: military junta, democracy, ethnic minorities, constitution, National League for Democracy.