Disciplining Democracy: Explaining the Rhythms of Myanmar’s First Hluttaw, 2011–2016

Abstract

Myanmar’s first Hluttaw (Administrative Assembly, which ran from 2011 to 2016) proved that transitions from military dictatorship to new forms of government can occur rapidly, and unexpectedly. The formation of its new legislative culture introduced significant changes to Myanmar society. It also showcased a deliberate effort to evoke earlier systems of power in Myanmar society, especially those with monarchical or socialist designations. Future legislative cultures will likely draw on a similar array of cultural concepts, especially where they are rooted in Myanmar’s dominant Theravada Buddhist heritage. The first Hluttaw therefore offered a glimpse of the potential for Myanmar to create its own form of representative democracy, with a robust legislative culture and an awareness that unelected elites may one day take a lesser role in the country’s government.