The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century

by Thant Myint-U

The result would be a decisive win for the National League for Democracy. Everyone I asked who voted for the NLD said the same thing: they wanted to show their hatred of past military rule as well as their love and respect for the sacrifices made by Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her party. They also said they wanted a brighter economic future for themselves and their children. Issues of race and religion played little part in their choice. This was the view in most urban areas. In the countryside, it was different. Many had no idea what they were voting for. An NLD candidate told me that at least one-third of his rural constituency had no understanding of what an election was.