What’s happening in Myanmar’s civil war as military stages elections?

Key Concepts

• Disenfranchisement: The denial of the right to vote, impacting millions in Myanmar due to military control over election areas.
• Air Raids & Shelters: Widespread fear of aerial attacks leading to the construction of air raid shelters, becoming a common feature of daily life.
• Economic Crisis: Hyperinflation following the military coup, significantly increasing the cost of essential goods.
• Armed Conflict: Ongoing armed struggle between the military and resistance forces, particularly in non-military controlled areas.
• Military Tactics: Use of airstrikes, heavy artillery (howitzers, mortars), and bombing of civilian infrastructure (villages, hospitals).
• Information Blackout: Deliberate minimization of light to avoid attracting military airstrikes.

Political Situation & Election Limitations

The current elections in Myanmar are severely limited, occurring in only approximately 30% of the country – specifically, areas under military control. This results in the disenfranchisement of millions of citizens, effectively excluding a vast portion of the population from the democratic process. The scale of this disenfranchisement highlights the military’s deliberate restriction of political participation.

The Reality of Life Outside Military Control

Life in the areas not controlled by the military is characterized by constant fear and active armed conflict. Nearly every household has constructed an air raid shelter, a direct response to the pervasive threat of aerial attacks. While often unused, these shelters represent a tangible manifestation of the insecurity felt by the population. Interestingly, the report notes a paradoxical use of these shelters – some individuals utilize them as safe spaces to consume media on devices like iPads during periods of heightened alert.

Economic Devastation Post-Coup

The economic situation in Myanmar has dramatically deteriorated since the military coup. Inflation has surged, impacting the affordability of basic necessities. Fuel prices have increased fivefold, while essential foodstuffs have experienced even more substantial price hikes. A specific example cited is the price of noodles, which has risen from $0.10 to $1.00 – a tenfold increase. This economic hardship directly impacts the daily lives of citizens and underscores the failures of the current regime, echoing Bill Clinton’s famous election maxim: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Escalating Violence & Military Operations

The report details the escalating violence occurring across the country. Real-time reporting indicates ongoing military activity, including the presence of fighter jets and the use of heavy artillery. Specific incidents mentioned include:

• The dropping of a 1,000lb bomb on a village, resulting in one fatality.
• The bombing of a hospital in Rakine State, causing the deaths of 31 people.

These examples demonstrate a pattern of indiscriminate violence and targeting of civilian infrastructure. The use of terms like “howitzers” and “mortars” specifies the types of artillery being deployed, indicating a deliberate and forceful military response.

Living Under the Threat of Airstrikes

In rural areas outside military control, nighttime is characterized by near-total darkness. Residents deliberately minimize the use of lights, even briefly, to avoid attracting airstrikes. This practice highlights the level of fear and the strategic adaptation employed by civilians to mitigate the risk of attack. The report emphasizes the pervasive nature of this threat, stating that light “invites air strikes.”

Data & Statistics

• Election Coverage: Approximately 30% of Myanmar is covered by the current elections.
• Fuel Price Increase: Fuel prices have increased by a factor of five.
• Noodle Price Increase: Noodle prices have increased from $0.10 to $1.00.
• Rakine State Hospital Bombing: 31 people were killed in the bombing of a hospital in Rakine State.

Synthesis

The report paints a grim picture of Myanmar following the military coup. The limited elections, coupled with widespread disenfranchisement, economic collapse, and escalating violence, demonstrate a country in crisis. The pervasive fear of aerial attacks and the resulting adaptations – such as the construction of air raid shelters and the practice of living in darkness – highlight the profound impact of the conflict on the daily lives of ordinary citizens. The report underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the humanitarian and political crisis unfolding in Myanmar.