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Myanmar Census Shows Population Drop Amid Civil War
Myanmar's military government announced a provisional census result of 51.3 million, a decrease from the 2014 count, due to security challenges and incomplete data collection in over half the country's townships; this data will inform voter lists for a planned 2024 election amid widespread civil war.
- What are the immediate implications of Myanmar's incomplete census results for the upcoming election?
- Myanmar's military government announced a provisional census result of 51.3 million, a slight decrease from the 2014 count of 51.5 million. This decrease is attributed to ongoing conflict and security challenges that hampered data collection in over half of the country's townships. The census, conducted amid widespread civil war, is intended to inform voter lists for a planned 2024 election.
- How does the incomplete nature of the census reflect the current political and security situation in Myanmar?
- The incomplete census, conducted in only 145 out of 330 townships, reflects the military government's limited control over Myanmar's territory. The exclusion of numerous areas affected by conflict and displacement suggests the official figure significantly underrepresents the actual population. The planned use of this data for voter lists raises concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the upcoming election.
- What are the long-term consequences of conducting a census under conditions of widespread conflict and displacement?
- The census's flawed methodology and incomplete data cast doubt on the upcoming election's credibility. The military government's prioritization of elections in controlled areas, coupled with the exclusion of conflict-ridden regions, further undermines the democratic process and reinforces existing power imbalances. This situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and instability in Myanmar.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the military government's announcement and its justifications, giving less weight to the criticisms and concerns raised by opponents. The headline could be framed more neutrally, for example, "Myanmar Census Shows Population Drop Amidst Ongoing Conflict".
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although phrases like "the military's seizure of power" or "widespread peaceful protests that were quashed with lethal force" reveal a slight bias against the military government. More neutral alternatives could include "the military takeover" and "protests suppressed by force".
Bias by Omission
The report omits mention of the impact of the military coup on the accuracy and completeness of the census data, focusing instead on logistical challenges. The exclusion of the Rohingya population is also noteworthy and raises concerns about the representativeness of the census.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that the upcoming election will either normalize the military's seizure of power or fail to do so. It overlooks the possibility of other outcomes or the complexities of the situation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, hindering the accurate conduct of a national census. The conflict, stemming from the military coup, directly undermines peace, justice, and the ability of institutions to function effectively. The inability to conduct a census in over half the country due to conflict further demonstrates the breakdown of governance and security.