Myanmar: Politics and Government

The Union of Myanmar: Politics and Government
by Carlos Mascarell

In 1988, a coup d’etat took place in Myanmar through which the Constitution of 1974 was abolished. After the event, a military dictatorship was established. In 1989, the “Military Junta” changed the name from Burma to the Union of Myanmar. Despite of the recognition of the new name by the United Nations, opponents to the government rejected it. After three decades of lack of democracy, in 1990, so-called democratic elections took place in the Union of Myanmar. Despite of the National League for Democracy’s victory in the elections holding Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of freedom and democracy, the military rejected the results and the dictatorial regime perpetuated until present-day.

Some clashes occurred between ethnic minorities, which the government represses. The government continues to ignore democratization demands urged by the United States and other western countries. Regarding foreign policy, China has become one of Myanmar’s closest allies in terms of trade and military development. Regardless of its troubled relations with the West, Myanmar benefits from foreign European and North-American investment. Thailand is also another of Myanmar’s best collaborators at international level and one of its major trading partners – from which it, in fact, receives much of its gas imports. Myanmar is member of the ASEAN, but its continued violations of Human Rights forced the Human Rights United Nations Council to open a public procedure about human rights situation in the Union of Myanmar.