This month marks one year since Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) took power in Burma after 50 years of military rule. Undoubtedly, basic rights, including media freedom, have improved since the military-backed government initiated reforms in 2011. But significant challenges continue to hinder press freedom. Journalistic self-censorship, the NLD’s lack of governing experience, and continuing military influence in politics prevent the media performing their watchdog role.
After enduring decades of repression, Burma’s citizens have granted the NLD government an extended honeymoon. But voters’ devotion to ‘the Lady’, as Suu Kyi is known, has negative repercussions for the press. ‘Any criticism of the new government provokes significant backlash,’ says Kyaw Min Swe, editor of The Voice newspaper. ‘This makes it difficult for the press to hold them accountable. Self-censorship is a big problem.’
