This book offers a comprehensive overview of all general elections held in Burma/Myanmar from 1922 to 2020. It provides essential information on the five constitutions – two in the colonial period and three after independence – and on the crucial issue of the interest representation of the many ethnic groups vis-à-vis the majority community of Burmese who, from the beginning of the independence struggle against colonial rule onwards, have constituted the country’s civilian and military elite. A focus lies on the role of Buddhism in shaping the understanding of legitimate rule and the factor of political contingency. The book is chiefly intended for scholars interested in the evolution of democracy in post-colonial countries, especially political scientists and experts dealing with Southeast Asian affairs. It also offers a valuable resource for diplomats, government officials and visitors of the country interested in the causes of Myanmar's painful history.

Hans-Bernd Zöllner studied theology at the universities of Hamburg, Heidelberg and Göttingen (Germany). From 1983 to 1990 he served as a minister in the German Speaking Protestant Congregation in Thailand, where his duties included regular visits to Burma and Malaysia. After returning to Germany, he began researching Burma’s/Myanmar’s relations with the contemporary world, leading to his dissertation on the international outlook of the Burmese independence movements between the two World Wars in 1998. Since then, he has focused on giving lectures, conducting seminars, and writing articles and books, with a special focus on the impact of Theravada Buddhist concepts of power as exemplified by case studies.