Since February, protests have been occurring against the military coup in Myanmar. How did it happen and why? In November of 2020, Myanmar (a small country in Southeast Asia) held its 3rd election for its new government since 2010 after having a military government for 48 years (the first military coup occurred in 1962). The NLD (National League for Democracy) won more seats in the parliament than the opposition did. The pro-military opposition, also called the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party), only won about 7% of the seats in the elections, this being a high political loss for the military. Although the military had tried to remain the most powerful influence in the government by ensuring one-quarter of the seats, three ministries, and provincial administration in the constitution written in 2008, the NLD had become the strongest party. Due to the loss of opposition during the elections, the military accused the NLD of voter fraud. Yet, there was no evidence found.
The military or Tatmadaw, not being able to stop the NLD from governing the country, decided that on February 1st of 2021, they would execute a coup in which commander in chief Min Aung Hlaing took over the country after ten years of democracy, now returning to a military ruling. February 1st was a day the parliament was in session, therefore many politicians were arrested. Aung San Suu Ying (the NLD’s leader, activist for democracy, and Nobel Peace Prize winner 1991) and Win Myint (the new president) were charged with fraud. Currently, the public is unaware of where they are detaining Suu Ying. Some politicians were able to escape during the coup and hide. The coup outraged civilians and massive protests were organized, which the military tried to stop. Hlaing has implemented a curfew and has limited gatherings. Many protestors ignored these measures,fighting for the liberation of Suu Ying and democracy. The military then used rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons on the masses of people throughout many cities across the country. Many foreign leaders have condemned the situation. On March 27th, CNN reported that 91 people were killed on that Saturday.
It is unclear what will occur now. The BBC's prediction back in February was “Most likely Min Aung Hlaing will plough on, adding his own dismal chapter to the long tragedy of military misrule in Myanmar.” The people in Myanmar have been severely hurt but they have not lost the will to fight for their democracy.
Anna Heider
Bibliography:
Al Jazeera. “Myanmar: Timeline of a Fragile Democracy.” Aung San Suu Kyi News | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 1 Feb. 2021, www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/1/myanmar-military-rule-to-fragile-democracy.
Cuddy, Alice. “Myanmar Coup: What Is Happening and Why?” BBC News, BBC, 15 Mar. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070.
Head, Jonathan. “Myanmar Coup: What Will the Military Do Now?” BBC News, BBC, 13 Feb. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56053007.
NA. “Myanmar Coup: Dozens Killed as Army Opens Fire on Protesters during Deadliest Day.” BBC News, BBC, 27 Mar. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56546920.
NA. “Myanmar Coup: Detained Aung San Suu Kyi Faces Charges.” BBC News, BBC, 3 Feb. 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55915354.
NA. “Union Solidarity and Development Party.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Union-Solidarity-and-Development-Party.
Reuters, Story from. “More than 90 Killed in Myanmar in One of Bloodiest Days of Protests.” CNN, Cable News Network, 27 Mar. 2021,edition.cnn.com/2021/03/27/asia/myanmar-protesters-day-of-shame-intl-hnk/index.html.
Yeung, Jessie. “Myanmar's Military Has Detained Leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a Coup. Here's What You Need to Know.” CNN, Cable News Network, 10 Mar. 2021, edition.cnn.com/2021/02/01/asia/myanmar-military-coup-explainer-intl-hnk-scli/index.html.
Image:
Lat, Hkun. “Anti-Coup Protesters Shout Slogans on March 01, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar.” Facebook’s Ban of Myanmar’s Military Will Be a Test of the True Power of Social Media Platforms, TIME and Getty Images, 1 Mar. 2021, time.com/5943151/facebook-myanmar-military-ban/.