On March 16th, months after the historic national elections that took place in November 2015, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon congratulated Htin Kyaw, the first civilian elected president by the Burmese parliament. The narrow win, a near split of 360 votes out of 652, ended more than half a century of military dictatorship. It was “a victory of people and democracy,” according to the sixty-nine economists who will be assisted by two vice-presidents: Myint Swe, a military nominee, and Henry Van Tio, his fellow party member.
At the moment, however, the Armed Forces (the Tatmadaw) still hold 25% of non-elected seats in Parliament and Ministries of Defense, as well as the Interior and control of borders. But above all, the militaries have veto power with respect to any proposed amendment to Myanmar’s constitution. So, despite the election victory, Kyaw and Suu Kyi will face difficulties leading the country towards democratic changes and breaking from the past.
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