The context for Myanmar Government
The country of Myanmar was once ruled by Britain and did not gain freedom until 1948. Although the new country was free, they still barred certain people from holding rights due to being part of minority groups. After a military coup that formed a military social democracy from 1962 to 2008, the country held its first election that would approve the constitution. The constitution would split the government from social democracy to a democratic government with a judicial, legislative, and executive branch (Pariona). In 2016, the National League for Democracy (NLD) won the election and appointed U Htin Kyaw as the new president of Myanmar. He took the spot from Aung San Suu Kyi, an “icon for democracy” who has been barred from holding presidential power in government because of her power against the government's militaristic regime (Rieffel).
POOL New / Reuters
2021 Coup
On February 1st, many members of the NLD, including Aung San Suu Kyi and current president Win Myint were arrested in a raid. They were removed by the junta, a military group that takes power by force. These people arrested a total of 24 members and added 11 replacements to what was previously a democratic elected government. (Reuters). A notable replacement is Myanmar’s Chief, General Min Aung Hlaing has been appointed the leader of the country under the state of emergency. This was done as a response to what the army called “election fraud,” and for replacing elected members of the government with the military intervention (Reuters). A yearlong state of emergency was declared and caused major unrest after Kyi urged the public to protest in a letter administered by the NLD. This has caused major unrest that has continued throughout the country for about a week now.
AP Photo
Government and Civilian Response
The country has responded to the protests by an attempt to wipe out any communication both nationally and internationally. The government ordered that many social media apps such as Facebook, Messenger, and Whatsapp be blocked for “safety precautions” (Reuters). Nonetheless, many have still found other ways to protest, such as protesting the streets and with doctors, teachers, and other essential workers pulling out in order to protest against the arrests of NLD leaders. The people of Myanmar have used red ribbons as a sign of protest, with some calling it the “Red Ribbon Revolution” (MyanmarMix).
Importance
The country of Myanmar has demonstrated that military governments can be arbitrary in their form of governing. The people elected leaders of the NLD party, and these people were removed immediately. A unitary militaristic government is dangerous, as power can be usurped multiple times and cause civil unrest. It is unknown where Myanmar is headed as this is still developing, but it will cause major rifts in future elections and could undermine the government's power in the long run.
Pariona, Amber. World Atlas. “What Type Of Government Does Myanmar Have?” 1 Aug. 2017.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-type-of-government-does-myanmar-have.html
“Timeline: The Week since Myanmar's Military Coup.” CNA, 7 Feb. 2021, www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/timeline-myanmar-military-coup-aung-saan-suu-kyi-protests-14132388.
“Myanmar's Military Removes 24 Ministers and Deputies, Names 11 Replacements in New Administration.” CNA, 3 Feb. 2021, www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/myanmar-military-replaces-aung-san-suu-kyi-ministers-coup-14089900.
“As Myanmar Erupts Again, 'Call It the Red Ribbon Revolution' Says Protester.” Myanmar Mix, 8 Feb. 2021, myanmarmix.com/en/articles/as-myanmar-erupts-again-call-it-the-red-ribbon-revolution-says-protester.
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