Burma long stuck in a constitutional morass

The Nation: Saturday, August 11,2007: 8A

Burma is sinking in a constitutional quagmire rooted in the question of equality for all nationalities or democratic rights for all citizen of the nation. The ethnic nationalities in Burma have long had strong political aspiration to establish a genuine federal union as highlighted in the 1947 Panglong Agreement. But, that agreement was disregarded by the successive Burmese military regimes. As a result, the civil war has been going on because of the failed promise guaranteed in the Panglong Agreement. Burma’s 1947 Constitution failed to provide equal rights for ethnic nationalities and lasted for only 14 years. Similarly, the 1974 Constitution, which also failed to meet establishing a Federal Union based on the principle of self-determination, also lasted for merely fourteen years.

Now, as a consequence of the failed 1947 and 1974 constitutions, Burma remains in this constitutional quagmire. Burma's military junta held the last session of its controversial national convention on 18 July this year. The convention is just for a show to International Community in the absence of the representatives-elect in the 1990 elections. The convention on the draft constitution has taken an appearance of being a democratic option, but it is being carried out under an indisputably undemocratic and unfair political environment.

Meanwhile, the 92 Members of Parliament in 1990 elections submitted a proposal to the United Nations that it play an important role to avoid the upcoming national crisis in Burma.

If the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) continues to put into practice its seven-step road map without cooperating with the representatives-elect and without listening to the real aspiration of the people of Burma and repeated requests from the international community, including the UN, the SPDC's orchestrated constitution would be definitely challenged by the people (including ethnic nationalities) of Burma.

The main factor for the key players to consider is the question of equality for all nationalities and fundamental rights for all citizen of the nation. For the 60-year-long civil war that stem from a constitutional crisis of the country may not cease, if this current national convention fails to provide self-determination for every nationality.


Zin Linn
Bangkok