Thein Sein: the gentle general behind Suu Kyi's triumph

Once deemed a puppet leader,  President of Myanmar Thein Sein, can today perhaps take some credit for negotiating democratic leader Aung Sung Suu Kyi’s return to politics and ensuring that a free poll allowed the National League for Democracy to romp to victory. A graduate of the elite Defence Services Academy, Sein commanded an infantry division and served under Than Shwe, who was the commander in chief of the armed forces. Shwe later went on to become Prime Minister and President, and Sein was seen as a loyal follower who enjoyed his trust. [caption id=“attachment_262937” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Sein, a former General is seen by many as sympathetic to reforms. Reuters”] [/caption] A career army bureaucrat, Sein was picked to head the National Convention which drafted Myanmar’s new constitution in 2008 and also formed the United Solidarity and Development Party, a move that was seen as being in compliance with instructions from the army. After an undisputed victory, he became the Prime Minister in 2007. After serving as Prime Minister, Sein was was seen to be a reluctant candidate for the post of the President. Suffering from a heart condition and in his mid-sixties, Sein was seen to be just a new face for the army until his term ended. After assuming office, he was perceived to be Shwe’s man and few outside Myanmar expected him to do anything beyond what he was asked to. However, the former general’s openness to electoral and political reforms left many including those in his own office surprised.  While many believe it was the emergence of the Arab Spring and stringent international sanctions that unnerved the army, others say Sein may have also played a crucial role in convincing the other generals to embrace reforms. Described as  a “a listener, sincere and sympathetic” , Sein became the moderate face for the army and reinforced political reforms after holding meetings with democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the subject. In the course of their discussions, Sein and Suu Kyi agreed that her party would participate in the 2012 polls.  Suu Kyi had initially opposed participating in the polls under the terms of the constitution. However, reports say the terms of agreement between the two leaders include possible freedom for political prisoners, working to lift the sanctions imposed on the nation and the National League for Democracy turning a blind eye to past misdemanours out by the army. While the promises may have been easily made earlier, implementing them could get more difficult for Sein if he is viewed as being too liberal with the democratic movement. Whether the temporary peace between the army and it’s people will be lasting remains to be seen. But with Sein at the helm, observers are hopeful that it might.