On 8 November, voters across Burma will approach polling stations with many different thoughts and aspirations running through their minds. There is, however, at least one thing that all will hold in common. In Burma, the vicious excesses of past military regimes have touched each life.<br /> <br />The upcoming election will be hamstrung in a number ways that are also unique to the country that is now stepping out from the shadow of half a century of brutal military rule and international pariah status.<br /> <br />Ethnic and religious tension will shape how the historic vote proceeds and the country’s constitution has been criticised as an undemocratic vehicle for continued military influence. On top of this, the continuation of the world’s longest running civil war— despite significant recent steps toward peace— adds exigency to the need for a smooth shift in power, whichever way the votes are cast.<br /> <br />With the upcoming election, the country has the chance to make a collective step on the path towards national reconciliation. Join DVB, for a window onto Burma’s election, and the monumental decision that its people will now have the opportunity to make.
