RSUSCI-2021 & RSUSOC-2021

IN21-052 Examining Election Processes in Myanmar: A Comparative Study of the 2015 and 2020 General Elections

Presenter: Hnin Set Win
-, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, Rangsit University

Abstract

Election law and electoral system are formed according to its national conditions. Myanmar has been recognized that it has the truly democratic election for the first time after 2015 general election. However, it still did not have fully free and fair election because of the election law which are prescribed in the 2008 constitution and 1982 citizenship law. Due to these laws, political candidates had challenges for more opportunities and freedom during election processes. Free and fair election process, freedom of speech, freedom of participation is very important to practice in a country. Right to participation can also help to create a better society. Therefore, the aim of this research paper is to find out whether the candidates still have more challenges with freedom of participation in the 2020 general election and to analyze how much the 2020 general election process has been improving after lesson learned from the 2015 general election. This research has included both primary and secondary sources. As the primary sources, the interviewing process is conducted by a total of six participants who are the political candidates in Myanmar. As the secondary sources, it has collected the data from the 2008 constitution, the election laws in Myanmar, International election observer’s reports, 1982 citizenship law, and other published articles which are related with the elections. The research found that the 2008 constitution and the 1982 citizenship law has been the main challenges to bring up more free and fair election in Myanmar. In order to bring absolutely free and fair election, the country should have more liberal and democratic constitution and laws with the supported by the state government and the international organizations.

Citation format:

Win, H., & Siriwato, S.. (2021). Examining Election Processes in Myanmar: A Comparative Study of the 2015 and 2020 General Elections. Proceeding in RSU International Research Conference, April 30, 2021. Pathum Thani, Thailand.