Senior peace negotiator voices fears over 2015 election
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A senior advisor to the Myanmar Peace Council (MPC) has voiced his concerns over the 2015 elections.
Hla Maung Shwe, a special advisor to the MPC, said that the success of a transition to democracy depended on the full participation of all groups, including the media, adding that many countries that have experienced similar transitions have failed.
“The 2015 transition is more important than the 2010 transition. But I am concerned about change in 2015. Change in our nation is not as easy as we had expected. Half of the countries that have carried out [democratic] transition under military sponsorship did not achieve success. Does it mean our nation will only half succeed in our transition?” asked Hla Maung Shwe.
The government has reached ceasefire agreements with 13 ethnic armed groups and is in peace talks with the remaining group, the Kachin Independence Organisation. It is also taking steps to sign a nationwide peace accord.
“We have many armed groups so I feel that the upcoming change is vital. A misplaced word or sentence could disrupt the peace process. I request that all, including the media, help facilitate the process,” said Hla Maung Shwe.
