Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE 2008 CONSTITUTION
Under the 2008 constitution Myanmar is divided into seven regions (where the
Bamar are in the majority) and seven states (minority regions, namely Chin,
Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan States). In addition there are six eth-
nic enclaves (Danu, Kokang, Naga, Palaung, Pa-O and Wa) with a degree of self-
governance.
A quarter of the seats both at the national and state level are reserved for un-
elected military candidates; this gives the military a casting vote on any constitu-
tional change because these require a parliamentary majority of more than 75%. In
four of the seven state legislatures (Chin, Kayin, Rakhine and Shan) ethnic parties
hold over 25% of the seats, theoretically allowing them to call special sessions or
initiate impeachment proceedings against local public officials.
There are provisions that the military cannot be legally held to account for
crimes against the population committed during their governing period. Key cabin-
et positions are reserved for serving military and the Commander in Chief of the
armed forces has far-reaching reserve powers.
Most controversially, there are the conditions that must be met for a person to
assume the office of president; these clauses effectively bar Aung San Suu Kyi
from leading the country should the NLD win the 2015 election.
Myanamar Post-Election 2010
Thein Sein for President
More than 30 different political parties jumped through a considerable number of hoops
to contest the 2010 election, including the National Democratic Force (NDF), a break-
away group from the NLD that, unlike its parent party, decided to participate in the poll.
As expected, the USDP triumphed in an election the UN called 'deeply flawed'. Not sur-
prisingly, many considered the change of government to be little more than 'new wine in
old bottles', but one good result was that, with victory in the bag, Aung San Suu Kyi was
released from house arrest and was permitted contact with the international media.
In February 2011 a quasi-civilian parliament convened for its initial sessions, repla-
cing the military regime's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). A new presid-
ent, former general and old prime minister Thein Sein, was 'chosen' by the elected reps
to take over from Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar's supreme ruler for the past two
decades. Than Shwe has since quietly faded into the background.
