Conclusion
Will the 2015 general election change Myanmar? There is little doubt that it will alter substantially important facets of Burmese politics in a way that will set the country in either a desirable or undesirable direction. The basic institutional setting for Burmese politics is based on the 2008 Constitution. The political process that is based on this Constitution, and which has gradually become entrenched since March 2011, is the standard process. However, we must not forget that the legacy of the former junta lies behind this official system. That is to say, the network led by President Thein Sein (who was the number-four leader during the junta’s rule), including Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw, Shwe Mann (who was the number-three leader) and other former generals who hold other key posts of the state, plus the administrative experience they have individually accumulated, have been what makes the government work. The combination of these two elements provided the momentum behind political and economic reform. The Armed Forces’ role as a watchdog over this official system and the reform process will not change anytime soon. Meanwhile, it seems the 2015 general election will cause significant changes for the network of former generals. It has been almost five years since the last general election, but if people other than active and retired military officials can take hold of the core of the political structure, then that will be the first time in 53 years, since the March 2, 1962 coup d’etat. Burmese politics faces a turning point this year and next.