Panel discussion examines what the Myanmar junta wants and what comes next

Mizzima

As part of the Myanmar media collaboration with Thai PBS in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Sunday, panelists discussed what may come of the Myanmar junta’s election.

The following is a transcript of the discussion:

Myanmar’s Sham Election: Why the Junta Wants It—and What Comes Next

Moderator/Facilitator: Kyaw Zwa Moe, Executive Editor, The Irrawaddy

Panelist: Htin Kyaw Aye, Executive Director, Spring Sprouts

Panelist: Dr. Surachanee Sriyai (Hammerli), Visiting Fellow, ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute

Panelist: Khin Ohmar, Veteran Burmese Activist

Panelist: Htaike Htaike Aung, Director, Myanmar Internet Project

Kyaw Zwa Moe: Good morning everyone. Before I introduce our knowledgeable, seasoned panelists, let me start with my remarks on this junta’s election. Everyone recognized or everyone sees this election as a sham election. So now, as we speak, the junta’s election has been taking place in Myanmar since 6:00 AM this morning.

At the time, since then, I talked to my reporters and my own resources inside Myanmar. And since 2:00 AM in the morning in Yangon, some townships, and the military and the security was beefed up since 2:00 AM this morning. Then in the morning, after 6:00 AM, there were just sparse groups or lines, people, and going to the polling stations to cast their votes. But mostly, not a lot of people. Which means that there are not many voters turning out. Until now.