The government and former generals who now rule Myanmar had hoped that by hosting the annual Asean Plus Three summit in their showcase capital Naypyidaw, they would be able to show the world that they were making progress in their transition to democracy. But not so fast. If anything, the message coming out of the former pariah state is that those reforms are not coming as quickly as the international community would like and there are clearly forces at work within the state apparatus and officialdom that are stalling its march to democracy.
US President Barack Obama was there. He also met Myanmarese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and discussed reforms. The process of reform started in 2011 when the military relinquished full power after decades of authoritarian rule. That first step is of course to be welcomed, but the anticipated pace of reforms has not kept pace with popular expectations. Yes, the economy is now booming after decades of stagnation caused by internationally-imposed isolation. But unfortunately, parliamentary reforms and the transition to fully free and fair elections have not happened — and are not even on the cards yet.
If there was a report card to be issued to the former generals, it would note that they have made progress. But they would still receive a failing grade so far as human rights, freedom of the press and a free and unfettered electoral process are concerned.
