His normal life ended in 1994. A new life he never expected began. His life has not returned to normal—at least not yet.

Kyi Win was 38. He worked at First Private Bank in Rangoon, earning more than enough to feed his family of five and send his kids to school.

One thing overturned his life: his political beliefs.

Like other dissents, Kyi Win was aware that his anti-government activities could put him behind bars. But it was hard to foresee that it could destroy his entire family's stability and future. 

Sixteen years ago, while working on the side for underground labor organization, he was arrested for his political activities against the ruling regime. He served five years in prison and was released—but it wasn't over.

He quickly realized Big Brother was watching him. Still, his harsh imprisonment hadn't destroyed his political beliefs or courage. He took part in the 2007 saffron revolution, and he kept up contacts with a circle of political friends. He finally had to leave the country to avoid a second arrest and imprisonment. 

Now he and his family are living in Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp on the Thai border. His family is hopeful they will be resettled in a third country.

Now 54, Kyi Win's life reflects the experience of thousands of dissents and political prisoners who have suffered political persecution since 1988. Currently, more than 2,100 political prisoners are in Burmese jails. Since 1988, it's estimated the junta has imprisoned 10,000 or more people for their political beliefs.

Some, like prominent activist Min Ko Naing, have been jailed more than once. Min Ko Naing and many of his colleagues who had already severed time as political prisoners are now serving draconian 65-year sentences in remote prisons.

Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi is another long-time political prisoner, now totaling 15 years.

With all the recent attention given to the country's upcoming election, the Constitution, ethnic issues and other matters, political prisoners are now just one of a long line of important issues surrounding Burma's position in the world community.
 
Fortunately, the international community has kept renewing its calls to release all political prisoners as one of a host of other issues, such as ensuring a free and inclusive election process.

Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, have made the release of political prisoners a pre-requisite to taking part in the coming election.

Still, it will never happen, and veteran Burma watchers know it. There will never be a meaningful number of political prisoners released to curry favor from the international community before the election. They will continue to be used as political pawns in a sick game whose rules are written by the junta.

In a letter a few months back, Hla Myo Naung, a leading member of the influential 88 Generation Students group who is now serving a 65-year sentence in Mandalay Prison, renewed the call for a blanket amnesty for all political prisoners prior to the election and an inclusive election process. His message probably passed through the ears of most people without a moment's thought.

International bodies and news agencies don't see the ruling generals' routine suppression of political beliefs as priority news anymore.

The generals know this well, and they are experts at flouting international calls with impunity. They routinely toy with high profile visitors whose very mission is to help solve the political prisoner issue, such as UN human rights envoy Thomas Ojea Quintana, who arrived in the country in February just in time for the sentencing of another activist, Naw Ohn Hla, and three other dissents, who were given two years imprisonment each on charges of “inciting activities which undermine the public order."

In the face of such callousness and impunity, some politicians and observers have turned a blind eye on the issue of political prisoners, preferring to focus the upcoming election. 

But how about former political prisoners like Kyi Win?

Trained to work in a bank, he now operates a tiny shop that sells snacks in the refugee camp to make ends meet for his family whose tranquil life was turned into a nightmare. His daily routine now includes selling treats to children for 1 baht each (about US 3 cent).

This is the life he, his wife and children are left with after sacrificing so much for Burma and its people.

As for the election, Kyi Win doesn't see it as many politicians and commentators do: as the only game in town.

It all comes from his experience.

Kyaw Zwa Moe is managing editor of The Irrawaddy magazine.