The House Democracy Partnership (HDP), together with its partner, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), traveled to Myanmar/Burma in mid-February to meet with parliamentarians and political observers, and to see the new parliament in action in Naypyitaw. After decades of military rule, the National League for Democracy (NLD), headed by former political prisoner and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, is now in the process of forming a new government. Historic elections that occurred in November 2015 could begin a process that leads to a peaceful transition from military to civilian rule.

During the HDP visit, the excitement of the new Members of Parliament (MPs) was palpable in the vast halls of the parliament building in Naypyitaw. Yet the challenge of what lies ahead in meeting the very high expectations of the electorate weighed heavily on legislators. Most of the newly elected MPs have never held elected office, and they face the monumental task of meeting citizen expectations with no personal staff and limited resources. NLD members of parliament are being housed in humble dormitory barracks, far outside Parliament’s grand halls, and without basic support for fulfilling their legislative duties.

NLD International Relations Committee chair Daw Su Su Lwin captured the challenges of this delicate moment in Burma’s history by saying, "We are a young democracy and not fully, as you can see, adept at democracy yet. But we hope to achieve democracy sooner rather than later...we would like our MPs to be much more empowered and much more informed..."

Daw Su Su Lwin, Chair of International Relations Committee of the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives), discusses legislative challenges with congressional staffers Diala Jadallah, Legislative Director for Rep. Barbara Lee (second from right) and Justin Wein, Deputy Chief of Staff to HDP Ranking Member Rep. David Price (far right).

The HDP delegation also met with U Zone Hlal Htan, a representative of Chin State and the Chair of the International Relations Committee in the Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities). The HDP delegation met with the Chair and members of the committee to explore a working relationship between the Myanmar parliament and HDP. Areas of possible cooperation included:

• the role of MPs in oversight of ministries;

• a better understanding of the legislative process;

• addressing constituent needs;

• constitutional reform;

• legislative research;

• independent budgeting;

• training needed to create professional staff.

The delegation also observed an official session of the House of Representatives. The salmon-colored jackets of the NLD populated most of the seats in the huge Chamber, and stood in contrast to the green uniforms of the armed forces. Under the current Constitution, the military automatically receives 25 percent of all seats in both national and regional parliaments.

During its jam-packed visit, the HDP assessment team also met with the People's Alliance for Credible Elections (PACE), an election monitoring organization supported with technical assistance by NDI, that placed over 2,000 independent observers in the field during the election. The delegation also met with civil society organizations, journalists, international partners, and members of the diplomatic community.

The delegation had an opportunity to visit the Parliamentary Resource Center supported by NDI. Since 2013, the Center has provided technical support to all elected MPs, regardless of party affiliation. At the Center, they have computers and NDI staff assistants to help them conduct legislative research, develop party capacity, and obtain technical assistance on issues of parliamentary reform. Over the past three years, NDI’s Parliamentary Resource Center organized more than 100 workshops and dinner discussions, and provided services to 471 of the 498 civilian elected MPs in both houses of the Myanmar parliament.   

Some of the most moving encounters during the HDP visit occurred during meetings with former political prisoners who spent decades in prison, sometimes serving multiple sentences, fighting to bring democracy to the country. There can be little doubt about the deep desire for democratic reform among the people of Myanmar. However, the complexity of the political situation of this beautiful nation and its determined people is reflected in this quote from a Burmese citizen: "Nothing's really changed yet, but I don't want to go back to the way it was."

Since its inception 10 years ago, the House Democracy Partnership has contributed to the professional advancement of members and staff through peer-to-peer exchange with 17 parliaments around the globe. These exchange programs, facilitated by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI), have engaged more than 675 members of Parliament and parliamentary staff in HDP programs. HDP is chaired by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Rep. David Price (D-NC), and is supported by the US Agency for International Development.  

Published February 24, 2016.