A Win-Win: Cabinet of President Win Myint, 2021

Approximate Committee Size: 28 Delegates

In 2020 Myanmar held general elections to determine the composition of their legislature (the Assembly of the Union) and their presidency. Myanmar was historically ruled by a military dictatorship which took control in 1962. After widespread demonstrations calling for political reform the military Junta allowed their first democratic elections in 1990 (the results of which the military declared invalid). The 2020 elections featured the National League for Democracy (NLD) pitted against the Union Solidarity and Development Party USDP. The NLD campaigned upon revising the Myanmar constitution (written by the military in 2008) to remove the level of influence the military has in domestic politics (the military is guaranteed 25% of seats in the legislature and all  major cabinet positions). This would allow for a complete civilian government to control domestic affairs. The USDP is a nationalist and militaristic party which functions as the military's political arm. The results of the election saw the NLD winning 258 seats of the 440 seat House of Representatives (221 needed for majority) and 138 seats of the 224 seat House of Nationalities. These elections were declared a landslide victory for the NLD, setting the stage for civilian rule. 

However, on February 1st 2021 the Tatmadaw (military) deposed NLD President Win Myint and installed USDP politician Myint Swe as acting president. Caught in the background of a viral dance workout video the military barricaded the capital and sent in military vans to detain political opponents. The military came out and alleged the NLD of rigging the elections and there were signs of “terrible fraud.” The coup was followed by massive civilian protests and demonstrations. Healthcare workers in the midst of the pandemic went on strike to protest the takeover and consumers participated in a boycott of any companies affiliated with the military. 

CHAIR: Zach Samuel

Crisis Manager: Natalie Goldwasser

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

National Security and Political Power

Civilian Rule

International Intervention in Domestic Affairs

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand the role of military influence in hybrid regimes and how constitutional design can entrench authoritarian power.

  • Analyze the political dynamics and legitimacy of elections in transitioning democracies, including the conditions that enable or undermine civilian rule.

  • Explore the civic response to authoritarian backsliding, including protests, labor strikes, and economic resistance, and assess their impact on governance and international perception.

About the Chair

Zach Samuel is a student in the Class of 2026 studying Science, Technology, and International Affairs with a concentration in Energy and Environment, a minor in Jewish Civilization, and a certificate in Diplomatic Studies. He loves space, environmental policy, country music, and tennis. On campus, Zach helps lead Georgetown Eco Consultants, the Jewish Student Association, and Club Tennis. He also volunteers as a tour guide and admissions ambassador, so he’s happy to answer any and all questions about Georgetown. This is Zach’s fifth and final year participating in NAIMUN, which he first attended as a delegate in 2022. He is excited to be your chair and looks forward to a high-quality, engaging, and fun committee experience!

About the Crisis manager

Natalie Goldwasser is a member of the Class of 2026 at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. She is studying International Politics with a concentration in International Security and minors in Arabic and Jewish Civilization. She is from Mexico City and San Diego, CA. Natalie has been involved with NAIMUN since her freshman year, serving as a CA, Director of Business and Advancement for NAIMUN LXI, and Chair. She is very excited to be your CM this year! On campus, she is involved with the Jewish Students Association, the Gender Violence Alliance, the tour guide society, and the international relations club. In her free time, she loves to watch Basketball, read, go to the beach, try new restaurants, get matcha, and listen to Bad Bunny.