ASIA/MYANMAR - The victory of the National League for Democracy confirmed

Tuesday, 17 November 2015 elections democracy human rights

MYANMAR

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Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - In the first free elections after 25 years, the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Nobel Peace Prize, Aung San Suu Kyi, obtained an absolute majority of the seats: With more than 80%, 255 seats, Aung San Suu Kyi's party has more than the two-thirds of the Assembly (440 seats in all). The military has 110 seats guaranteed by the Constitution. The two ethnic Shan and Arakan parties (12 seats each) are the only two with a substantial representation while the other ethnic parties are stable.
The League has in mind to entrust one of the two vice-presidencies to a representative of an ethnic party. Aung San Suu Kyi will be the Premier of the new government, but cannot become president who, according to forecasts, will go to a member of the League. According to observers, the key ministries (defense, economy) will remain in the hands of the military. Due to possible alliances with smaller groups, Aung San Suu Kyi’s party could also attempt to change the Constitution, which currently prevents her from becoming president.
There is still the issue of ethnic minorities who, after decades of civil conflict, should be integrated in the social and political fabric. In fact, ethnically, the Burmese is the predominant group, which also governs the "National League for Democracy". While there are groups such as the Rohingya Muslims who have no kind of representation and were not even able to vote. Now the government has to deal with the issue of negotiations with ethnic minorities and their armed formations, which have so far fought. Since last October there has been a general cease-fire but, as observers note, national reconciliation remains a challenge and a winding path full of obstacles. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2015)