Freedom House Hails Suu Kyi Win in Burma

Freedom House congratulates Freedom Award winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) for winning 43 of 44 parliamentary seats in Burma’s historic April 1 election. The contest marks a key moment in the government’s recent moves towards liberalization. The NLD, including its leader Suu Kyi who was imprisoned for more than 30 years, were allowed to campaign and run in the election after being declared illegal when it refused to register for the clearly fraudulent 2010 elections.

Despite NLD’s win, Freedom House remains concerned about reports of election irregularities, including fraud and harassment. The decision to allow international observers into Burma was made too late into the campaign process, and as a result they were unable to observe and investigate reports of intimidation and manipulation. The party reported at least 50 irregularities on election day alone. In one precinct, wax was reportedly placed over the NLD box on ballots, presumably to make it easier to erase.

Freedom House rates Burma as “Not Free” in Freedom in the World 2012, noting an improvement in civil liberties during 2011.  Reforms included the release of thousands of political prisoners and the loosening of political restrictions. Despite these steps, many political prisoners remain in prison after suffering decades of harsh conditions and brutal treatment, and ethnic minorities, refugees and displaced persons face continued violence.

Learn more:

Freedom in the World 2012: Burma
Freedom of the Press 2011: Burma
Freedom on the Net 2011: Burma
Blog: Secretary Clinton’s Burma Opportunity
Video: Freedom House Honors Aung San Suu Kyi