Source:  www.csw.org.uk

Date:  November 7, 2020

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

We serve a God who is committed to righteousness and justice, and who has placed certain people in authority in governments and other institutions. We are told to pray for ‘all those in authority’, so this week we’re asking you to pray for Burma.

Tomorrow Burma will hold a general election, for the first time since Aung San Suu Kyi’s party won five years ago. The 2015 elections were the country’s first democratic elections in 25 years.

However, almost the entire Rohingya Muslim population, and large numbers of other minorities, will be unable to vote.

Hate speech, anti-minority attitudes and pressure from Buddhist ultranationalists, the 1982 Citizenship Law (which revoked the citizenship of Rohingya Muslims), among other factors, all create an environment where ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians and the Rohingya Muslims, have their civil and political rights regularly violated.

There are also concerns that COVID-19 may have an impact on voter turnout. Meanwhile, those who do vote may of course be exposing themselves to infection.

In summary, please pray:

  • For tomorrow’s general election in Burma to take place peacefully, that the result will be accepted and the transition will go smoothly.
  • For protection from the coronavirus for those who choose to vote despite the risks.
  • For wisdom for those in authority, as they face the enormously challenging task of governing this conflict-torn country which has made such great strides in the past few years.