Current Draft Constitution Does Not Move to National Reconciliation

April 29, 2008

THE MON FORUM

In May, the SPDC will hold the “People’s Referendum,” to give approve its draft Constitution, which gives ultimate power to the armed forces. The Burmese Army will absolutely control the State powers – legislative, administrative and judicial.

Even if the Constitution is confirmed by manipulation of the SPDC, and without international monitoring, democracy will not be alive in Burma. Over a thousand of political prisoners will remain in prisons and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be kept under house arrest.

Many pro-democracy political parties including ethnic political parties will not be allowed to register and compete in a general election, scheduled for 2010.

The Constitution does not guarantee ‘equal racial rights’ and ‘self-rule’ practiced by ethnic nationalities. Ethnic people will have to continue to fight for the equal racial rights and fight for their autonomous regions and states.

“The regime likes to say, on billboards around the country, that it is everyone’s duty to vote “Yes,” for “Democracy cannot be achieved by anarchism or violence, but by Constitution.” The SPDC is correct – a constitution is vital to building democracy. Just not this constitution.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Commentary