Myanmar's National League for Democracy at a crossroads

Abstract

Democratic transition in Myanmar appears to have come to a standstill. Western analysts have focused on the political constraints faced by the National League for Democracy (NLD) under Aung San Suu Kyi. Most refer to the still-excessive power of the military to explain the party's governance failure. However, a closer look suggests that the NLD is not only unable but is also unwilling to lead according to democratic principles. Since its re-establishment as a political party in 2011, the NLD has mobilized voters by propagating liberty, equality, and justice - thus fanning the hopes of those longing for an end to authoritarian state policies. Now, over a year after its landslide victory, these hopes are beginning to crumble as the NLD fails to live up to its convictions. Ethnic minorities have criticised the lack of progress in ensuring their rights in the face of military operations in the north-east and the west of the country. Human rights advocates have condemned Aung San Suu Kyi's passivity towards the military's persecution of the Rohingya minority in Rakhine State and the NLD's downplaying of the conflict. The media faces increasing intimidation instead of enjoying freedom of speech, while state media channels continue to produce old-style propaganda. NLD members are worried about the decline of democratic decision-making within the party. They are demanding a more transparent and efficient chain of communication to address urgent concerns and deeper integration of junior party members. The NLD's tacit approval of the military's actions and its increased disconnection from the democratic values on which it was elected have raised concerns over the party's will to continue along its chosen path. To support Myanmar's transition, European decision-makers need to strengthen their relations with the Myanmar government and press for policies that support transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights. To be successful, policymakers should employ an approach that combines economic cooperation incentives and careful diplomatic counsel.