Unveiling the Silent Struggle

Narratives and Arrangements Challenging Electoral Legitimacy in Myanmar Politics

by Nyo Oo | July 2024

Summary:

In Myanmar’s recent political scenario, there have been narratives and arrangements that promote the role of armed groups in Myanmar’s political transition, and some have questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results.
Whether it is due to the legacy of successive military regimes’ propaganda or due to the narratives by the hidden interest groups who wish to participate in elite bargains, driving armed actors into the political arena is controversial.
This think piece urges all international and local actors to consider supportive strategies and approaches for ensuring political arrangements where all voices are heard and represented and protect Myanmar’s democracy from further deterioration.

The political crisis in Myanmar has baffled the international community, which has been trying to support the people of Myanmar in their struggle in harsh post-coup situations. Initially, various actors had a common perception that the anti-coup movement emerged from the junta’s disregard for the 2020 election results, acclaimed credible by local and international observers. Hundreds and thousands of protesters, demanding the military to withdraw from politics, widely expressed their wish “to respect and recognise the 2020 election results.”

In the later political scenario, the massive anti-coup movement resorted to armed resistance against the junta and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the elected parliament, declared the 2008 constitution null and void. Then, the legitimacy image of the 2020 election results became a heated debate on the legal basis for the democratic transition. The main issue of contention is whether the actors who claim to uphold democracy respect the people’s electoral will. This think piece will explore two key strategies undermining electoral legitimacy: narratives and arrangements.

In the current political crisis, glorifying the armed actors’ role, as a consequence, has even influenced the groups that claim to be pro-democracy. It contradicts a democratic principle, civilian control over the military. Moreover, the arrangement in the pro-democracy movement to disregard electoral legitimacy may slip into undermining another democratic principle, respecting the free and fair election results that reflect the will of the people.

Outline:

Introduction
Examining the Narratives
Challenging Arrangements
Conclusion and Recommendation

Total: 7 Pages (1,982 words)

Note: The content withheld specific names or identifiable details by prioritising the safety and well-being of individuals and organisations involved. It was thoroughly researched, sourced from credible outlets, and reviewed by experts.

Nyo Oo (pseudonym) is a Myanmar political analyst and pro-democracy activist imprisoned for political offences under previous military regimes in Myanmar.

Request Full Document