“I Do Not See an Alternative to Dialogue”

Q: What was her view when she learned that she wouldn’t be allowed to contest elections?

A: She says that her own personal political situation is not the issue—[the issue] is change for the betterment of Myanmar. She wants a government that reflects the wishes of the people, a government that addresses the real concerns of the people, particularly on the social and economic front. Do not forget that in 1990 she was similarly barred from contesting elections, but that did not prevent her party from winning 85 percent of the seats. So the important thing is her party. She wants to continue to lead her party. She wants her party to participate in a true process of democracy. And she sees herself not just as a leader of her party, but also as representing the forces of change in the country, including change for the betterment of ethnic minorities and nationalities.

Q: Is she willing to let her party participate in the election process even if she is barred from contesting the election?

A: Well, you know, the first step is the referendum. She has not told me certainly and I have not seen evidence that either she or her party wants to boycott the election process. This is very important, because some of the pro-democracy activists—I respect their opinion—regard the referendum as a sham. She herself and her party have not decided to boycott, which means that they appear to be considering participating. They may vote yes or no to the draft constitution in the referendum, but so far it appears that she and her party may want to participate. (Editor’s note: The day after this interview was held, the NLD announced its opposition to the constitution.)

Q: Would you recommend that the pro-democracy groups participate or not participate?

A:  That will have to be their decision. 

Q: What do you think would be in the best interests of Burma?

A:  Well, I would say the best interest of Burma is really the opportunity for the people to express their views freely and fairly—in other words, to create a climate that is conducive to freedom of expression, freedom of association and therefore freedom of choice. That is what the UN is about—promoting a climate conducive to free and fair elections in the country.

Also very important is the credibility of the process. The more credible the process, the more inclusive the process, the better. It is up to the political parties and individuals to decide how they actually want to vote. So our concern in the UN is really the credibility and inclusiveness of the process.

Q: Do you think the environment is there for a free and fair election—or, in your words, a credible and inclusive election?

A: Not yet, but there is still time between now and May. First of all, it is important to decriminalize the opposition for the referendum. Two, we believe that all political prisoners should be released so that everybody can participate. We believe that the condition of detention of Aung San Suu Kyi should be eased. We believe that the constitution should be widely disseminated. We believe that there should be debate on the pros and cons of the constitution. These are the kinds of things we feel would enhance the credibility of the process and show the world that the outcome, whatever it is, is free and fair. We at the UN are ready if our help is needed with technical assistance. Once again, I call on the government to consider using independent monitors because that will enhance the credibility of the process.

Q: Do you think this could be done before the referendum? Do we have enough time left?

A: If the will is there, it could be done. The date of the referendum has not been announced, but they have said it would be in May. This is just the beginning of April. So conditions could be created. Decisions can be taken which will enhance the credibility of the process.

Q: Do you think there has been any improvement in the role of neighboring countries in the last couple of months?

A: They have recognized that they have to play a much more pro-active role. First, they are neighbors, they are Asean. What happens in Myanmar, if it is positive, it would impact positively on them. If it is negative, it would impact dramatically and negatively on them. So they have the duty, they have a responsibility and we have been encouraging them in this regard. I myself have been to China three times and India three times in the past year.