The Link Between the 2020 Election Results and the Revolution

People’s Goal Thought Process Programme (Episode 69)

Speakers – Si Thu Maung (Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Htluttaw), Aung Moe Zaw (Democratic Party for a New Society), Mya Nandar Thin (Election Observer)

Moderator – Sut Seng Htoi (Kachin State Civilian Movement)

Q. [To Aung Moe Zaw] What caused your party to change from an underground party to one that participates in electoral politics?

Aung Moe Zaw (Democratic Party for a New Society): We never changed our basic principles. In the past, the military leaders demanded that we participate in their agenda or we would be dissolved. We refused, and indeed they dissolved us. Our party went underground where we continued our political work for around twenty years. We returned to electoral politics before the coup because we thought there was a real opportunity to amend or abolish the 2008 Constitution.

Q. The CRPH has categorically rejected the 2008 Constitution. Does this really reflect the will of the people?

Si Thu Maung (CRPH): The coup was illegal. It is our duty and mandate to reject this illegal framework in the interest of the people. We have pledged to the people that we will usher in a federal democracy. We must replace the system of atrocities. We are in this journey together. Legitimacy comes from the people. The People gave us legitimacy in the 2020 election, which the junta would not accept. We elected representatives take an oath in parliament. Many countries do not have a written constitution. This means that there is not a contract between the State and the people. Myanmar, however, even under the 2008 Constitution, has such a contract. Political legitimacy can come only from the votes of the people.

Q. Ethnic Revolutionary Forces have always demanded their own self-determination. However, the NLD dominated the last elections and they did not express a will to work in good faith with the minority populations. Can you remark on that? 

Si Thu Maung: There are indeed a lot of doubts and suspicions between groups. We are committed to changing the entire system, not just regime change.

Q. You have been an election observer. What is the likelihood that the junta-led election could be legitimate and that democracy could be restored?

Mya Nandar Thin (election observer since 2010): [Translation unavailable]…It is a joke that the junta’s election commissioner is resuming his role from before. The planned SAC election is certainly a sham election; it is illegal. The election commission is also a sham. The election commission can only be set up by the country’s president, not an illegal junta based on unsubstantiated claims of former election irregularity.

            The SAC might try to use the 2008 Constitution to restore “democracy,” but it is too late. We already have a federal democratic charter backed up by this very strong revolution. The next step is to establish a new national assembly.

            In 2019–20, the DPNS made recommendations to the lower house to reduce the military’s 25% representation in parliament. In fact, the DPNS recommended that it be zero percent and that there should be no voting booths on military bases. We never had a genuine democratic transition. It was impossible with the military’s twenty-five percent of parliament seats.

Q. How should we envision our electoral future?

Aung Moe Zaw (DPNS): Our party originated in Yangon. Since the beginning of the Spring Revolution, we have demanded the abolishment of all forms of dictatorship and the abolishment of the 2008 Constitution. We also demanded the release of political leaders and prisoners arrested after the coup. We must not compromise on the 2008 Constitution. The people are fighting however they can; not because they want to, but because they cannot see any other way; their will has been denied by a larcenous and murderous regime. The revolution is defensive; it is in defense of fundamental rights. The people know that this regime is not fit to handle the country’s future. We need to kick them into the Bay of Bengal. We need to be clear about where we are going. We cannot negotiate with criminals. Anyone who negotiates with them should not be considered serious and ethical political actors.

Q. How can we build on the 2020 election results?

Si Thu Maung: The point of the election was to form a new parliament, whose purpose is the implement the wishes of the people. Now, we must work with our international allies to remove those who are blocking the will of the people. The Federal Democratic Charter represents the past, the present, and the future. By contrast, the 2008 Constitution does not represent the people’s will in the past, present, or future. It is out of the question.

Mya Nandar Thin: The People are the basis of sovereign power. In the 2020 election, the people selected the party they wanted. Most of the people who were legitimately elected in 2020 are still in touch with their constituents. They can continue to learn what the people want and need. In the FDC, there is a provision to form an independent election commission and then a constitutional assembly to officially establish a new constitution. The people must be involved in this process.

Q. What will the CRPH’s role be in the drafting of the new constitution? Can everyone be guaranteed political representation?

Si Thu Maung: We have a transitional constitution working group, including members who ratify the charter and other experts. There is a forum for everyone in the form of the NUCC. That is where vigorous debate happens and where different groups can make their voices heard. The 2008 Constitution cannot be abolished by the illegal military regime that was behind it in the first place. The roadmap for this revolution is to be transparent and inclusive; it is not paralyzed.

Closing Remarks

Aung Moe Zaw: This upcoming sham election must be blocked. It is out of the question. The SAC might try to use it together with the ASEAN 5-Point Consensus to gain political legitimacy. They must not find a political exit.

Mya Nandar Thin: This movement is very popular. We must remain committed until we achieve results. Everyone in a leadership or administrative role must listen to the people. The military’s revenue streams must be cut. However, we cannot drag this out; people are tired.

Si Thu Maung: The reason we must respect the results of the 2020 election is not because we are aligned with certain parties. We simply must honor the choice of the people who voted in that election. A political mandate cannot have any other basis.