АСЕАН и мьянманская дилемма

Abstract

The article deals with the legitimacy of claims for power of the two Myanmar contesting political forces: the current government, formed by the State Administration Council and led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and the government in exile (National Unity Government) formed by the self-established Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and led by Mahn Winn Khaing Thann. It is argued that both governments have limited legitimacy due to incorrect procedures of their formation, though the current government is the only de facto ruling body (and should be treated as such). It has been found that both sides mobilize their supporters inside Myanmar who use practically identical methods such as positioning themselves as the only saviours for the nation, daemonising and de-humanising political opponents, intimidating local population who supports the opposite side, murdering political opponents (sometimes with their families), mass killing of civilians during terrorist attacks / antiterrorist raids, destroying critically important infrastructure, and seeking for international political recognition. All these findings lead us to conclude that ASEAN would not openly recognize any of these governments in order not to legitimize them, but will take steps towards holding a fair competitive parliamentary election in Myanmar, with both sides having the opportunity to secure people’s support and gain their votes.