posedly moving toward a multi-party demo- was a key factor that made the transition cratic system, it was again the military that possible, creating space for the government, positioned itself as the leader of the transition. opposition and public to engage and learn. What I’m trying to say is that, throughout However, once the military understood the risks every era, the military has always insisted on of losing power, it tightened its control and never leading the process themselves. And by intended to genuinely surrender authority. insisting on leading everything, what they really mean is that they want to do things on their own terms. Historically, it’s obvious that they have never wanted to hand power over to civilians. Since they are the ones designing and controlling the system, there will never be a genuinely free system where leaders are chosen In the past, censorship mainly meant blacking out or tearing pages from newspapers before publication. That by the people, nor will they ever truly listen to was repressive, but today’s situation the voice of the people. is even harsher — because censor- So, no, I don’t believe things will ever change. In fact, I think the situation is even worse now. Because they never genuinely consider human rights or even the most basic ship has expanded into the digital space, where even a simple ‘like’ or emoji reaction can lead to arrest. principles, they will never listen to independent voices. Nor will they ever create the conditions for those independent voices to exist (Han Thar Nyein, Kamayut Media) or be heard. Today’s repression is far more severe: How would you compare the 2010 election with widespread the planned 2025 election? deaths in custody, deliberate medical neglect torture during interrogation, The 2010 transition created some in prisons, and systematic targeting of jour- political openings because, after decades of nalists, activists and human rights defenders. military rule and national decline, the military And the 2025 election should not be viewed as was under pressure to change and was still a genuine democratic transition, but rather as learning about democratic practices. Aung San another attempt by the military to maintain Suu Kyi’s decision to participate in parliament and legitimise its power. Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar 18