Myanmar Announces it Will Hold First Election in 20 Years

History is in the making in the nation of Myanmar. Located on the mainland of Southeast Asia, northeast of China, east of Laos and Thailand, the region has been the focus of internal unrest for decades. For the first time in 20 years, citizens of Myanmar will take part in the course of the future of their troubled nation. The country, which has been under military rule for two decades, will hold election on Nov. 7, 2010. The announcement has been met with surprise and praise from human rights organizations around the world.

The Road to Democracy

The last time an official was elected to Myanmar government office was in 1990, when the people elected Suu Kyi's party to office. However, her victory was short-lived, as the military soon took over the leadership of the nation. The Myanmar constitution effectively banned Suu Kyi from holding government office, with the support of 92 percent of voters backing the move. Suu Kyi was later sentenced to 20 years' detention. Thus far, she has served 14 years of her detention, which was extended in 2010 for another 18 months after she was found guilty of violating the terms of her detention.

Nations struggling with the rule of democracy after decades of oppressive rule include Kosovo, which has declared itself a free state from Serbia in February 2008. The Republic of Kosovo, while not recognized by Serbia, continues to strive toward a democratic rule in place of existing under the control of Serbia. After becoming a self-declared independent state, Kosovo holds de facto control over most of the territory. A recent ruling by the United Nations determined that Kosovo did not violate any agreements or regulations in declaring independence from Serbia. The path to this nation achieving a functioning democracy is not guaranteed, as hardship and conflict unfortunately still lie ahead.

Iraq is another nation whose war torn lands are fought over for the right of fair and just democracy to replace the decades of tyrannical rule under the late Saddam Hussein. Progress is reportedly being made, but the hope of a true democratic nation taking shape remains to be seen. Both time and the perseverance of the people of Iraq will tell. In contrast to the unrest in the region and the ongoing conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, Iraq is fighting from within.

Like Kosovo, the way forward for a democratic Myanmar is an uncertain one. For the nation, Nov. 7 elections mark the day of a new start in history for the people of Myanmar. While the election excludes Suu Kyi and 2,100 other political prisoners from taking part, it's a step in the most poignant direction in the history of this nation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/13/AR2010081301285.html

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3937447,00.html

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/aug/16/securing-iraqs-future/