Election in Myanmar is over. Nobel laureate Aung Saan Suu Kyi’s party has emerged victorious in the historic polls. If everything goes accordingly the role of the military junta is likely to be reduced significantly. The constitution of the country needs a major overhaul but it seems to be a tall order. It will take sometime for the country to come out of the shadow of the military junta and embark on the road to true democracy.

Now all eyes are on Suu Kyi. People in the Muslim world are anxiously waiting for her to take some strong actions for the protection of the minority communities, particularly the Rohingya Muslims. Her actions in this regard will definitely decide her standing in the world. If she succumbs to the dynamics of electoral politics, she will lose her credibility in the world.

The fascist Buddhist leaders in Myanmar should be taken to task for inciting violence against Muslims. No country can achieve true progress without including all communities in the process of development. It is, however, not very easy to do away with majoritarianism but not impossible. Growth and safety should be ensured for all communities living in a country. Without inclusive policies, Myanmar’s transition to a truly democratic country will not be possible.

Yawar Hayat

Dammam