In Myanmar, political mood sours as transition talks hit a snag

The mood of goodwill evident in early talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar’s military over the country’s transition to democratic government has soured, as tensions rise over how to divide up power and deal with the legacy of junta rule.

The apparent stalemate has forced Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) to push back the election by parliament of a new president to March 17, cutting close to the April 1 deadline when the new government is supposed to start its term.

While negotiations have been conducted amid tight secrecy, lawmakers say divisions emerged after the military put forward its list of demands to the incoming government last month.

The appointment of ex-general Shwe Mann, now a key Suu Kyi ally, to a powerful advisory panel has also stoked mistrust, some say, because his insider knowledge could enable Myanmar’s new rulers to delve into the actions of the outgoing government.

“It seems like all of the members of the previous government are now panicking, so they try to use the military’s weight to protect themselves,” said a former senior lawmaker from the army-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).