Myanmar Poll Road Towards Democratisation, Says Analyst

By Alan Ting KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Myanmar's orderly by-election is a very significant step towards democratisation although it still warrants a lot of effort, particularly in judiciary reform and reconciliation among its various ethnic groups, noted an analyst. The by-election might involve only 45 seats out of nearly 1,000 seats but it was still a good start towards the democratisation of the country, said Associate Professor Jaswant Singh of University Malaya's Department of International and Strategic Studies. "It's a very long road where a lot needs to be done. Despite allegations of irregularities, it is still a very significant move. "Some may argue that 45 seats is an insignificant number, but to us, the acknowledgement from the government towards the opposition in this election is very significant," he said. In the Sunday poll, Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) claimed to have won most of the seats, despite claims of irregularities. It also gives Suu Kyi her first seat in Parliament. Jaswant said the poll also reflected reform that was being carried out by Myanmar President Thein Sein since he took power, a year ago. He reportedly surprised his critics with a string of reforms such as releasing hundreds of political prisoners, but ethnic conflict and alleged rights abuses remain concerns. "Therefore, for Myanmar watchers like me, Suu Kyi should play a more prominent role towards national reconciliation, working with the current government and various ethnic groups to resolve the long-standing issue. "Perhaps, they should work towards a federal system where certain groups are given autonomy. This is the urgent task," Jaswant, who is also a leading local expert on Myanmar, told Bernama on Monday. Reportedly, Suu Kyi herself also hailed the poll as a "new era" for Myanmar while calling for political unity. During the Sunday poll, the Myanmar Government also allowed foreign observers and journalists to witness the process. -- BERNAMA