| Part of a series on the |
| Democracy movements in Burma |
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The fighting peacock flag
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| Background |
| Post-independence Burma |
| Internal conflict in Burma |
| Burmese Way to Socialism |
| State Peace and Development Council |
| Mass protests |
| 8888 Uprising · Protests of 2007 |
| Concessions and reforms |
| Roadmap to democracy New constitution Reforms of 2011 |
| Elections |
| 1990 · 2010 |
| Organizations |
| National League for Democracy · 88 Generation Students Group · Burma Campaign UK · Free Burma Coalition · U.S. Campaign for Burma · Generation Wave · All Burma Students' Democratic Front · The Irrawaddy · Democratic Voice of Burma · Mizzima News |
| Figures |
| U Nu · Aung Gyi · Tin Oo · Aung San Suu Kyi · Min Ko Naing · Thein Sein |
| Related topics |
| Human rights in Burma · Politics of Burma · Foreign relations of Burma |
2011 Burma's democratic reforms are a series of unprecedented political, economic and administrative reforms in Burma undertaken by the military backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). These reforms include the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and subsequent dialogues with her, establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, general amnesties of more than 200 political prisoners, institution of new labor laws that allow labour unions and strikes, relaxation of press censorship and regulations of currency practices.[1] The reforms come as a surprise to many because the election of 2010, which led to the victory of USDP, was considered fraudulent by the international community.[2]
The consequences of the reforms are far reaching. ASEAN members have approved Burma's bid for the chairmanship in 2014. United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Burma on 1 December 2011 to encourage further progress; it was the first visit by a Secretary of State in more than fifty years.[3] Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy will participate in upcoming by-elections after the government abolished laws that led to the NLD's boycott of the 2010 general election. However, uncertainties exist as more than 1,600 political prisoners have not been released and clashes between Burmese troops and local insurgent groups continue.
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Burma was under military rule from 1962 to 2010. In 2008, the ruling Junta, State Peace and Development Council, announced the new constitution as a part of roadmap to democracy. The constitution, which reserves 25% of the Hluttaw seats for military, is seen by the opposition as a tool for continuing military control of the country. A constitution referendum was held in 2008 amid of the Cyclone Nargis. The referendum was much criticized for voter intimidation, electoral fraud and advanced voting. Nevertheless, on 15 May 2008, the junta announced that the constitution had been approved by 92.4% of voters, claiming a 99% turnout in the two-thirds of the region that had held the vote.[4]
An election was held in 2010. The military backed Union Solidarity and Development Party declared victory. The United Nations and Western countries have condemned the elections as fraudulent.[5]
Nevertheless, the government has embarked reforms toward liberal democracy, mixed economy, and reconciliation although the motives of such reforms are still debated.
The pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi was released from housearrest on 13 November 2010. After her release, she held a series of dialogues with President Thein Sein and Minister Aung Kyi.[5] Although the discussions were not publicized, the state media reported that "the two sides have agreed to set aside the differences and work together in matters of common interests that will really benefit the country and the people"[6] Aung San Suu Kyi's ability to travel freely throughout the country is seen as an improvement compared to her trips in 2003 which met with a government sponsored massacre.[5]
Aung San Suu Kyi's party, National League for Democracy boycotted the 2010 election. The election law enacted by the SPDC did not allow any person who has served a prison term from being a member of a political party. If NLD decided to register, it would have to expel its members who were imprisoned. But in November, the government erased the clause in a parliamentary section allowing the former political prisoners to engage in politics.[7]After the amendments, NLD leaders have unanimously decided to register for the by-election.[8]
The government relaxes press and internet censorship laws although still restrictive compared to western countries. The government allows photographs of Aung San Suu Kyi to be published on front pages of local newspapers. Head of the censorship authority, Tin Shwe said that censorship is incompatible with democratic practices and should be abolished.[9] Although the government still retains its censorship authority, a presidential adviser said that press censorship would be abolished in 2012 under the new media legislation.[10] In September 2011, several banned websites including Youtube, Democratic Voice of Burma and Voice of America have been unblocked.[11]
The government has assembled the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) consisting of 15 retired bureaucrats and academics. The government stated that the panel would run independently, however, analysts have questioned the panel's will and ability to challenge the government.[12] On the other hand, the commission has submitted an open letter to the President urging the release of all political prisoners contesting the President's claim that there is no political prisoner in Burma.
Two general amnesties were held in 2011 releasing over ten thousands of prisoners although only about 300 of these were political prisoners. Prominent prisoners of conscience including comedian Zarganar, have been released while others including 8888 Uprising student leader, Min Ko Naing remain in prison. But the government has approved NHRC's suggestion to relocate the political prisoners so that their family members can easily reach to them.[13] Depending on the definition of political prisoner, an estimated 600 to 1700 political prisoners still remain in prison. Amnesty International stated that there are about 600 political prisoners who did not use violent means. The number concurs with NLD's list.[14]
The government has approved a legislation that allows labour union and strikes. ILO commented that the legislation meets international standard. The government has however, denied the presence of other human right issues such as the Burmese Army's abuses on ethnic minorities claiming that only local insurgents violate the human rights. The government has accused Kachin Independence Army for planting bombs, destroying bridges and trading illegal drugs.[15] The insurgent groups have resumed fighting since 2008 because they disapprove the constitution of Burma that requires all armed forces be under the control of Defense Service. However, peace talks were held in November to discuss a compromise.[16]
The government attempts to reform failed economic policies of the previous government. Since 2011, Burma has embarked policy reforms including anti-corruption, currency exchange rate, foreign investment laws and taxation. Foreign investments increased from US$300 million in 2009-10 to a US$20 billion in 2010-11 by about 667 percent.[17] Large inflow of capital resulted in stronger Burmese currency, kyat by about 25 percent. In response, the government relaxed import restrictions and abolished export taxes. Despite the current currency problems, Burmese economy is expected to grow by about 8.8 percent in 2011.[18]
Burma had a complex foreign exchange system with back markets, foreign exchange certificates, and multiple exchange rates. Upon request from the government to alleviate its souring currency conditions, an IMF team visited Burma in October. After their visit, the government has allowed private banks to engage in foreign exchange market. Multi-currency practices are expected to drop by 2012.
Although the government have been applauded for the reforms, many countries remain "cautiously optimistic". Japan has resumed sending aids which were suspended since 2007 when a Japanese journalist was killed in a protest crackdown. ASEAN has approved Burma's bid for chair in 2014.
United States, Australia and EU countries have called for more actions, such as unconditional release of all political prisoners to lift the sanctions imposed. United States has appointed a special envoy Derek Mitchell to sought a new approach towards Burma arguing that Bush Administration's efforts to isolate the regime have failed.[19] Following the government reforms in 2011 and the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the US announced several initiatives, including removal of some curbs on foreign aid and the possibility of full diplomatic relations, aimed at re-engaging with Burma.[20][21]
| “ | Neither Western sanctions nor Asian constructive engagement should be credited for what we are witnessing today. | ” |
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—Marie Lall[14] |
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Experts caution that the reforms will be disproved by the hardliners and probably lead to counterrevolution. But, Minister U Kyaw Hsan said there is no intention to retract reforms.[15]
the motives of such reforms are also debated. Marie Lall, a BBC South Asia analyst attributes Burma's bid for the Asean chair in 2014, the needs to reform the economy for ASEAN Free Trade Area and the government's desire to win the election in 2015 as the main motives of the reforms.[14]