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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : The Straits Times
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : The Straits Times
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Myanmar military chief calls for heightened security ahead of election

Myanmar Military Chief Urges Heightened Security Measures Ahead of Crucial National Elections

In a significant address amid mounting political tensions, Myanmar's military commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has issued a stark call for enhanced security protocols as the country gears up for its general elections scheduled for November 8, 2020. Speaking to troops during a visit to a military base in the southern region, the general emphasized the need for vigilance to safeguard the electoral process, highlighting potential threats that could disrupt the vote. This directive comes at a time when Myanmar is navigating a complex landscape of ethnic conflicts, a raging COVID-19 pandemic, and deep-seated divisions between the military establishment and the civilian government.

Min Aung Hlaing's remarks underscore the military's self-perceived role as the ultimate guardian of national stability in Myanmar, a nation with a turbulent history of military rule and fragile democratic transitions. He warned of "internal and external elements" that might seek to exploit the election period to sow chaos, urging soldiers to remain alert against any attempts to undermine the state's sovereignty. While he did not specify particular threats, analysts interpret this as a reference to ongoing insurgencies in ethnic minority regions, such as Rakhine and Shan states, where armed groups have clashed with government forces. The military, known as the Tatmadaw, has long justified its influence by pointing to these conflicts, arguing that only it can maintain unity in a country fragmented by over 135 ethnic groups.

The timing of the general's speech is particularly noteworthy, occurring just weeks before what is expected to be a pivotal election. The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, is seeking to consolidate its power after a landslide victory in 2015 that ended decades of direct military junta rule. However, the military retains significant constitutional powers, including control over key ministries like defense, home affairs, and border affairs, as well as a guaranteed 25% of parliamentary seats. This setup ensures the Tatmadaw's veto power over constitutional amendments, creating an uneasy power-sharing arrangement that has fueled speculation about potential post-election instability.

Min Aung Hlaing's call for heightened security also ties into broader concerns about the election's integrity and safety. The COVID-19 outbreak has already forced the postponement of campaigning in some areas and raised fears of low voter turnout. Myanmar has reported thousands of cases, with the virus spreading rapidly in urban centers like Yangon. The general stressed that security forces must coordinate with civilian authorities to ensure polling stations are protected, while also preventing the spread of misinformation that could incite violence. This is especially relevant given the country's history of communal tensions, including the 2017 Rohingya crisis, which drew international condemnation and accusations of genocide against the military.

Experts view the military chief's intervention as a strategic move to assert the Tatmadaw's relevance in the democratic process. Min Aung Hlaing, who has been at the helm since 2011, has faced personal scrutiny, including international sanctions for his role in the Rohingya operations. By framing the military as indispensable for a secure election, he may be positioning the institution to influence outcomes or even intervene if results do not align with its interests. Opposition parties, including the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), have echoed similar concerns about security, accusing the NLD of failing to address ethnic conflicts adequately.

The address also highlights the precarious state of Myanmar's democracy. Since the 2011 reforms that initiated a shift from outright military dictatorship, the country has made strides toward civilian governance, but progress has been uneven. Ethnic minorities, who make up about a third of the population, feel marginalized, with many areas excluded from voting due to ongoing fighting. For instance, in Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army insurgency has intensified, entire townships have been deemed too unsafe for polls, disenfranchising hundreds of thousands. This has led to accusations that the election commission, perceived as aligned with the NLD, is manipulating the process to favor the incumbents.

Furthermore, international observers are watching closely. Organizations like the European Union and the United Nations have expressed concerns over the fairness of the vote, particularly regarding the exclusion of Rohingya Muslims, many of whom remain stateless and barred from citizenship. The military's emphasis on security could be seen as a preemptive justification for any crackdowns on dissent, reminiscent of past elections marred by violence and irregularities.

In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing invoked the military's historical duty, drawing parallels to Myanmar's independence struggle and the need for unity against division. He encouraged troops to uphold discipline and professionalism, while reminding them of the Tatmadaw's motto of protecting the nation from all threats. This rhetoric resonates with the military's narrative of being the true defender of Burmese identity, often at odds with the NLD's vision of inclusive democracy.

As the election approaches, the general's words add to an atmosphere of uncertainty. Polls suggest the NLD remains popular among the Bamar majority, but gains by ethnic parties or the USDP could complicate coalition-building. If the military perceives the results as a threat to its privileges—such as the ability to appoint the commander-in-chief independently—it might leverage its security apparatus to challenge the outcome.

Overall, Min Aung Hlaing's call for heightened security serves as a reminder of the fragile balance in Myanmar's political ecosystem. While the elections represent a step toward democratic consolidation, the military's enduring shadow looms large, raising questions about whether true civilian rule can ever fully take root without addressing the Tatmadaw's entrenched power. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the nation holds its breath, hoping for a peaceful process amid these heightened alerts. The coming weeks will test not only the resilience of Myanmar's institutions but also the military's commitment to allowing democracy to flourish unchecked.

Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/myanmar-military-chief-calls-for-heightened-security-ahead-of-election ]