Excerpts from David Scott Mathieson from Jakata Globe
The junta is confident in its hold on political power, monopoly over the economy and near-complete neutralization of domestic opponents. The ideal conditions are in place to give the military junta its best-ever birthday present: continuing dominance over a future civilian parliament and continuing control of Burma’s 58 million people after the country’s elections, which are for this year. Everything the ruling junta, has been planning is methodically coming to fruition. The system it dubbed “disciplined democracy” is living up to its Orwellian name. And it shows no sign of changing.
The military in Burma is not a state within a state — it has become the state.
The Tatmadaw could well continue to thrive under a civilian system it controls. But the Army will do so at the expense of legitimacy, popular support and honor. And that’s exactly why this year’s elections have been so carefully arranged to ensure the right result. A free and fair election would most likely give the Tatmadaw its marching orders: straight out of power.
David Scott Mathieson is a Burma researcher for Human Rights Watch
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/burma-ruling-generals-have-just-one-birthday-wish-maintain-complete-power/369036
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