Muslim political activity in transitional Myanmar

This chapter offers the first analysis of the dynamics of Muslim engagement in the political arena in Myanmar. Coming at a critical time in Myanmar’s electoral history, the chapter deftly captures the nature and extent of Muslim political participation and the particular geographical concentration in Rakhine State. It recognises that the handful of political parties that rely on a Muslim supporter base are primarily active in northern Rakhine State, although some non-Muslim political parties such as the military-backed political party, the USDP, have several Rohingya members of parliament. The chapter provides original, detailed profiles of several of the main political parties in which Muslims are active.