Myanmar’s Push for Democracy

Last year Myanmar held its first elections in over 20 years. Despite doubts about the validity of the elections, there have been several noteworthy developments. Even so, the intentions of the new civilian government are still questioned. Myanmar has a long way to go before it can be described as an open, free and fair democratic country. However, beginning with the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in mid-November 2010, there have many positive developments which are, in the context of decades of harsh military rule, important to highlight.