Opinion Road to political change

The government showed wisdom in allowing the National League for Democracy (NLD) and Suu Kyi to re-enter the political sphere. In turn,“the Lady” was generous to agree to contest elections despite her reservations regarding the 2008 Constitution.

Though the April 1 by-elections covered less than 7 per cent of the total seats in Parliament,they have now acquired a unique significance. The support for Suu Kyi and the NLD has infused a new dynamism into Myanmar’s political landscape. The presence of a real opposition party in Parliament provides possibilities of serious reform and political change. The mobilisation of the people and civil society has provided hope and optimism that is palpable around the country,especially among the youth. Their reverberations are also likely to be felt at the periphery where ethnic groups have been in conflict with the government for over half a century.

In a conversation with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon some months ago in Bali,the president described the road to reform his government was traversing as “so narrow that you cannot turn back.” This was an expression of determination,not helplessness; a recognition of the irreversibility of a process but also an admission of its fragility. Since then,the president has spoken forcefully of the need to bring together the “strong force” of a “new political generation for a mature democracy.”

Transition in the multi-ethnic context of Myanmar is likely to be complicated. It will require statesmanship and genuine accommodation from key domestic stakeholders. The president,Suu Kyi and leaders of important ethnic groups in Myanmar must embody that spirit. The first tests will come as the new Parliament convenes this week.

During his visit to Myanmar later in the month,the secretary general will have four major concerns. First,to sustain the current pace of reform,and to ensure continued popular support,ordinary people must see quick improvements in their daily lives. The international community can help — immediately — by lifting trade restrictions and other sanctions imposed over the years. Many of these measures have weighed more heavily on ordinary people than on their intended targets — the government,army or state industries.

Second,Myanmar seeks to rejoin the global economy. To do so,it must catch up with its neighbors. This will require a substantial increase in international development assistance as well as foreign direct investment. Neighbouring countries have experienced exponential growth in recent decades,even as they diversified their economic base. By contrast,Myanmar has vast natural wealth,including untapped deposits of oil,natural gas and rare minerals. It must develop these resources along with its emerging manufacturing and services industries. And it must do this within the context of modern rule of law and guarantees of good governance.

Third,Myanmar has taken important steps toward reconciliation with rebel groups. Peace talks with the Karen people of southeastern Myanmar show particular promise,though Kachin State in the north remains tense. There are serious concerns over how ceasefires will be transformed into a genuine peace process. Multiple actors and agendas need to coalesce into a reconciliation process that meets the basic concerns of all stakeholders.

Fourth,the process of political reform has just begun. A new discourse is needed to develop an inclusive political culture and democratic community based on the rule of law and respect for human rights,especially those of free association and free speech. There must be space for civil society to operate and protections for the rights of self-expression by ethnic minorities. The establishment of a new National Human Rights Commission represents only the start of this process. More needs to be done to set up a sound basis for the emergence of an authentic national democratic unity.

During the secretary general’s visit,the UN will commit its support to all these efforts. Already,plans are underway to help the government organise its first popular census in 31 years — a key benchmark for fair and effective democratic governance.

We will be looking at other ways the UN can contribute,from assisting Myanmar’s drug eradication efforts to clearing mines and drafting codes of corporate social responsibility. As the international community views events in Myanmar with hope and expectation,the question should not be “can it hold?” It should be,“what can we do to help?”

The writer is special adviser to the United Nations Secretary General on Myanmar