By Ma Thida, Burmese human rights activist, surgeon, writer, and former prisoner of conscience.
Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Ma Thida’s recent book A-Maze: Myanmar's Struggle for Democracy, 2011-2023.
We’ve embarked on this journey, and if we aim to reach our destination at the end of the road, we must stay on course and continue our march forward.
The Road to Democracy has been a nearly four-decade-long endeavour for the citizens of Burma, starting from 1988. We made a promising start, but as history often repeats itself, the military coup swiftly quashed the nationwide demonstrations after a mere six weeks. Under the guise of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the military junta announced plans for a future general election, inviting all political parties to register. Despite scepticism among the people, they participated in the 1990 general election, overwhelmingly supporting the key opposition NationalLeague for Democracy party (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi. However, our hopes for progress towards democracy were dashed when the junta, instead of honouring the election results, refused to convene parliament and initiated a national convention to draft a new constitution. Only 14 percent of the convention attendees were elected MPs, with many representatives being arrested or forced into exile. It felt like winning a lottery prize only to have the ticket stolen away. This national convention was clearly a diversion from our path to democracy. I was among those vehemently opposed to this plan and paid the price with a twenty-year prison sentence.
Since the inception of this national convention, our journey towards democracy has hit a dead end. It took a staggering fourteen years to finalise the draft constitution, which was eventually approved by a 2008 referendum. We found ourselves at a roadblock. However, in a bid to alleviate mounting international pressure, particularly following the 2003 Depayin massacre, the military junta released many youth leaders from the 1988 generation in 2005. This gesture reignited hope among the general public, suggesting a potential path back to our democratic aspirations. The ’88 generation leaders began mobilising society under the guise of humanitarian activities, creative endeavours, and community development assistance. It was akin to uncovering a tunnel leading back to our road to democracy. However, in 2007, spurred by sympathy for donors facing adversity, a significant number of Buddhist monks spearheaded the Saffron Revolution. They marched in long processions through streets and roads, chanting the Metta Sutta and Pali texts to dispel dangers from all beings. This action caught the attention of the junta, but it also kept the public politically vigilant despite severe oppression and fear gripping their hearts.
Even in the face of adversity, countless locals rallied behind and supported the Saffron Revolution. With the advent of new technology, the world became acutely aware of the dire situation unfolding within our borders. We found ourselves halted at a crossroads on our journey. The brutal crackdown instilled terror and apathy among our people, threatening to derail our progress. Yet, despite these challenges, we stood firm in our resistance. In 2008, just over a week after Cyclone Nargis wreaked havoc on the southern part of the country, causing catastrophic destruction and claiming the lives of at least 150,000 people, the military junta seized the opportunity to hold a referendum on the 2008 constitution. Exploiting the nation’s misery and grief, they manipulated the referendum process. Discrepancies emerged between the announced voter turnout by the military junta and the actual population census in 2014. In 2010, a general election was conducted under the 2008 constitution. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, chose not to participate in what they deemed an unfair election. As a result, the military proxy political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), secured the majority. This left us standing at a critical juncture on our journey.
Cover image: A-Maze: Myanmar’s Struggle for Democracy, 2011-2023 (London/Singapore: Balestier Press, 2024) by Ma Thida.
At this fork in the road to democracy, one path leads to what some call “Stingy Democracy,” permitted by the military junta under the guise of “disciplined democracy.” The other route, “Make-up Democracy,” is governed by a new administration, composed of current civilians dubbed “Baung Bee Chut” (meaning “shedding their military uniforms”) and inservice army personnel known as “Baung Bee Wutt.” Another challenging path, “Khwa Tee Khwa Kya Democracy,” remains unclear—a tumultuous clash within the government itself, pitting civilians advocating for justice and democracy against army personnel with entrenched political ideologies. There’s always the looming possibility of a U-turn towards autocracy, given the military junta’s potential to reverse gears at any moment. However, recent events have shown that we’re no longer at the fork in the road.
On February 1, 2021, the Commander-in-Chief, alleging electoral fraud in the 2020 general election, invoked sections of the 2008 constitution to declare himself Chairman of the State Administrative Council (SAC). This move, widely viewed as a coup aimed at reinstating military rule, led to the overthrow of the elected government. Despite the SAC’s claim of “state power control” and promises of a new election, their actions breached the constitution and amounted to an attempted coup, potentially constituting high treason. We’re now in a situation where our road to democracy seems lost. It’s akin to the aftermath of the 1988 uprising, where we find ourselves trapped in a Maze without an exit. Despite our weariness from this prolonged journey, we still cling to the hope that we’re on the path to democracy.
Indeed, the Spring Revolution has been tirelessly engaged in dismantling the walls of the Maze and paving the way for a new highway towards a federal democratic union. This endeavour involves various strategies and actions aimed at achieving comprehensive change in both the political system and the cultural norms of Burma. One significant shift in the revolution’s motto from “Down with the military dictatorship!” to “Down with any form of dictatorship!” underscores its broader objectives. Beyond simply overthrowing the existing military regime, the revolution seeks to uproot all forms of undemocratic practices and outdated cultural conventions that no longer align with modern principles.
The people of Burma are resolute in their determination not to remain trapped within the confines of the Maze, whether thick or thin. They are committed to toppling any barriers that obstruct the path to democracy and equilibrium. This determination extends to the collapse of the entire Maze, symbolised by the Burmese term “Wingaba,” representing all walls and barriers hindering progress. The people of Burma are in fact forging a new highway towards a federal democratic union. They are taking charge of constructing this road, shaping it according to their aspirations, and steadfastly advancing towards their destination. This collective effort involves persistent activism, grassroots mobilisation, and a steadfast commitment to democratic ideals.
Through such concerted efforts, the Spring Revolution is not only challenging the entrenched power structures but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic society. It is a journey marked by resilience, unity, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of transformative change.
Ma Thida is a Burmese medical doctor, writer, human rights activist and former prisoner of conscience. In Myanmar, Thida is best known as a leading intellectual, whose books deal with the country’s political situation. Previously the president of PEN Myanmar and a board member of PEN International, she is currently the chair of the Writer in prison committee of PEN International.