How do journalists cover a disputed election in Myanmar? - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

Myanmar’s 2024 Election: A Sham Under Military Rule

Key Concepts:

• Military Coup (2021): The overthrow of the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD).
• National League for Democracy (NLD): The dominant political party in Myanmar prior to the coup, led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM): A widespread non-violent resistance movement in Myanmar following the coup, involving strikes and boycotts.
• Generation Z: The young generation of Burmese citizens who have become prominent in the resistance movement, often taking up arms.
• People’s Defence Forces (PDFs): Armed resistance groups formed by civilians in response to the military crackdown.
• Special Branch (Police): Myanmar’s internal intelligence and security agency, used for surveillance and repression.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A US immigration program offering temporary refuge to nationals of countries experiencing conflict or disaster.
• Irrawaddy River: A major river in Myanmar, serving as a geographical boundary in the ongoing conflict.

I. The Current Situation in Myanmar

Five years after the 2021 military coup, Myanmar is holding an election widely condemned as a sham by international observers. Unlike previous elections where Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD achieved landslide victories, neither she nor her party is contesting this time due to their detention. The country is embroiled in a civil war, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, with voting not taking place in rebel-held areas.

Jonathan Head, recently returned from Myanmar (specifically Mandalay), describes a palpable atmosphere of fear. The military has enacted laws criminalizing any criticism of the election, suppressing dissent. While people are unhappy with the election and do not support the military’s party, they are hesitant to express their views openly due to surveillance by the Police Special Branch. Mandalay, a historical stronghold of NLD support, exemplifies this climate of fear. In contrast to Yangon, which is relatively prosperous and distanced from the conflict, Mandalay is directly impacted by the ongoing fighting in surrounding areas.

II. Challenges to Reporting and the Role of the BBC Burmese Service

Reporting from Myanmar is extremely difficult. Journalists are constantly monitored by the Police Special Branch, hindering the ability to obtain honest opinions. Soe Win Than, editor of the BBC’s Burmese service, explains the unique challenges faced by their team. The majority of news gathering is done by reporters inside Myanmar, though some have been relocated to Yangon for safety.

The military regime imposes restrictions on the media and utilizes laws that criminalize contact with groups they deem “illegal” or “terrorist organizations.” This poses a significant dilemma for journalists who need to speak to all sides to provide comprehensive coverage. The BBC Burmese service operates with a high degree of risk and caution to ensure the safety of its reporters.

III. Historical Context of Myanmar’s Elections

The 2015 election was the first free election in Myanmar since 1960, with Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD winning by a significant margin, shocking the military. This election marked a period of hope after decades of military rule and economic hardship, as Myanmar was one of the poorest countries in Asia. The 2020 election saw an even larger victory for the NLD, further infuriating the military and contributing to the subsequent coup.

While Aung San Suu Kyi’s international reputation has been tarnished by her handling of the Rohingya crisis, she remains highly popular among the Burmese population, often referred to as “A May” (Mother).

IV. The Rise of Generation Z and the Armed Resistance

A significant development since the 2021 coup is the emergence of “Generation Z” as the driving force behind the resistance movement. Initially leading peaceful protests, these young people formed armed resistance groups (People’s Defence Forces - PDFs) after facing brutal crackdowns. Unlike Aung San Suu Kyi’s lifelong commitment to non-violence, this generation has adopted a different path, willing to take up arms against the military. Some young leaders have stated they would respectfully refuse a request from Aung San Suu Kyi to cease armed resistance.

V. Displacement and Economic Hardship

The coup has led to a mass exodus from Myanmar, with the United Nations estimating over a million people have fled the country, many resettling in Southeast Asia, including Singapore. Many Burmese nationals are taking on low-skilled jobs, such as domestic work, to support their families back home. The impending military conscription is also driving people to leave the country.

VI. External Actors and Myanmar’s Future

China’s role in Myanmar is complex and strategically important. China views Myanmar as a gateway to the Indian Ocean and relies on its oil and gas pipeline. While initially displeased with the coup, China has since recalibrated its approach, prioritizing stability and fearing state collapse.

Western influence, which played a role in previous democratic transitions, appears to have diminished. The US recently revoked Temporary Protected Status for Burmese nationals, signaling a lack of interest in the situation.

Jonathan Head notes that the military miscalculated with the coup and is now attempting to regain legitimacy through the election, despite widespread condemnation. He believes the military is unwilling to relinquish power and views itself as essential to Myanmar’s stability. He describes the military as a “cancer” that must be removed for the country to progress.

VII. The Election as a Tool for Legitimacy

The Junta spokesperson claims the election is “for the people of Myanmar, not for the international community.” However, observers believe the election is designed to solidify the military’s power and does not reflect the will of the people. There is a widespread sense of hopelessness and a lack of viable alternatives among the Burmese population.

Conclusion:

Myanmar’s 2024 election is a carefully orchestrated attempt by the military to legitimize its rule amidst a brutal civil war and widespread opposition. The election is unlikely to bring about meaningful change, and the future of Myanmar remains uncertain. The rise of Generation Z and the armed resistance, coupled with the ongoing displacement and economic hardship, paint a grim picture for the country. External actors, including China and the West, have varying degrees of influence, but the military’s unwavering commitment to power suggests a long and difficult road ahead for Myanmar.