Simonia Aida

Myanmar: the nationwide census as preparation for general elections

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2014, №22, 67-81

 
Annotation: Myanmar first census in 30 years was conducted from March 30 to April 10, but it was extended for two more months in some ethnic areas. The national census raised tensions in some ethnic regions where minorities have disputed the government’s definition of ethnicity. The situation became especially acute in the Rakhine state where since 2012 there have been clashes between the Rakhine Buddhists and the Bengali Moslem minority (Rohingya) living there. The government announced that the Bengalis could only be granted citizenship in line with the 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law. The government’s stance bans the use of the “Rohingya” term in the national census.

Keywords: MYANMAR, CENSUS, ETHNIC MINORITIES, RAKHINE STATE, STATELESS BENGALI MUSLIMS (ROHINGYA)