Political parties and the media in Myanmar on the same path to democracy

Political parties and media  play crucial roles in the process of democratisation. But lack of mutual understanding may inadvertently work against a democratic process. On 14-15 September, Myanmar’s political parties and leading media outlets met to discuss how media and political parties together can promote democratic politics – and ensure a well-informed public

The issue of ethics and code of conduct in the political arena and for the media has gained attention over the last year following the end of pre-publication media censorship and increased Freedom of Expression for political parties, civil society and the wider public. Both journalists and politicians are testing the boundaries of what can be communicated in the public domain.

The seminar “Political parties and the media”held in Yangon, brought together more than 50 representatives of different political parties and 30 media houses in Myanmar to examine the role of the media and that of political parties in a democratic society. Organised by International Media Support (IMS), Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy (DIPD) and Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), discussions centred on how constructive relationships could be developed between the two while safeguarding the independence of both the parties and the media.

“The newfound independence and freedom of political parties and media is changing the way in which media and political parties communicate in Myanmar, said Glen Swanson, Myanmar project coordinator for International Media Support (IMS).

“Both now need to agree on a way in which they can ensure that citizens have access to truthful and unbiased information that will allow them to take part in the public debate about Myanmar’s democratic development.”

Expectations and frustrations

The convivial atmosphere in which the participants met, away from their daily professional environments, enabled them to voice expectations and frustrations concerning their mutual relationship.

Some participants pointed to sensitivities in the relationship between media and political parties in times of transition and called upon participants to exercise restraint in dealing with one other. Ratih Hardjono Falaah, the Secretary General of Komunitas Indonesia untuk Demokasi shared lessons learnt from Indonesia, stressing the importance of not hurrying the process of reforms, but continuing with incremental changes in the desired direction.

In his presentation, CK Lal, a political commentator from Nepal, presented an outline of the ups and downs a country in the midst of democratic development faces when institutionalising the cordial relationship between the press and political parties. He advised small and ethnic parties to form alliances in order to attract media attention and told journalists to report about issues of marginalised people to increase the trust in the free press among all sections of society. Mutual respect helps to deepen understanding, which is vital for the health of democracy.

Way forward

A number of initiatives to improve the working relationship between media and political parties were agreed on such as a suggested common code of ethics and conduct code, regular briefings for media by political parties and training political parties in media handling, also in connection with elections.

These and other initiatives will be followed up by participants and pursued in the further development of IMS’ and DIPD’s joint programme on strengthening relationships between media, political parties, civil society and the private sector around issues of mutual concern. The programme is part of the Myanmar Multiparty Democracy Programme run by DIPD.

Learn more about the work of IMS or DIPD in Myanmar, here.