The 2015 Myanmar general election was a watershed moment that left political analysts and watchers across the globe scrambling for their notes. On November 8, 2015, Myanmar held its first openly contested election since 1990. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, trampled the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in a landslide victory, narrowly dodging the grip of a military junta that held Myanmar under its thumb for decades.
1. The Battle of David and Goliath
Imagine a political match resembling that of David versus Goliath. The 2015 elections saw the NLD, with its charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, take on the USDP—the party seen by many as the front for the military elite. It was a battle not just for control, but a fight for the very soul of the nation.
2. A Lesson in Accountability
The USDP, assuming they had the stranglehold of power, didn't foresee the surge of democratic desire within the people. Accustomed to controlling the levers of state with an iron grip, they dismissed the public's yearning for change. Much to their surprise, the people of Myanmar decided enough was enough.
3. Rise of the Iron Lady
Love her or hate her, Aung San Suu Kyi's impressive domestic and international stature played a pivotal role in the NLD's colossal win. This is a woman who withstood house arrest, became a beacon for democracy, and emerged victorious, rallying cries for freedom that captivated the nation.
4. Breaking Free from the Chains
For far too long, the military's shadow loomed large over the realm of Myanmar's politics. The election was about freeing the nation from years of autocratic rule and stepping into a new era of governance and self-determination.
5. Simply Can't Ignore the Elephant in the Room
Even when the NLD clinched a sweeping victory, the military still retained a significant slice of power. They reserved 25% of the parliamentary seats for themselves, a built-in veto they hoped would serve as a check on exuberant democratic ambition.
6. The Strategic Mind Games
The election was also a strategic masterpiece. The NLD and its allies worked meticulously, ensuring they contested every possible seat. They crafted a narrative of national unity that resonated deeply with an electorate eager for change.
7. The Sound of Silence
Remarkably, there was a profound, almost eerie silence throughout this political upheaval. The military, perhaps dreading international backlash, remained uncharacteristically reserved in the aftermath of their stunning defeat.
8. The Politics of Patience
Unlike many liberal-leaning activists who wish for immediate changes, Aung San Suu Kyi embraced a patient approach. She knew well that dismantling decades of entrenched power wasn't an overnight task. Her willingness to play the long game unfurled in a way that shrewdly outmaneuvered opponents.
9. Democracy with Strings Attached
The 2015 election didn't resolve all of Myanmar's woes, but it was indeed a bold statement of intent. The realpolitik in Myanmar remains complex and marred by ethnic conflicts, but the elections were an audacious stride towards democratic consolidation.
10. A Precedent for Change
In the grand chess game of politics, this election was more than a move on the board; it permanently altered the game. It won't be long before other old-guard political establishments take note, understanding the people's power cannot be ignored indefinitely.