Burma's 2010 Elections: Implications of the New Constitution and Election Laws
Abstract
On an undisclosed date in 2010, Burma plans to hold its first parliamentary elections in 20 years. The elections are to be held under a new constitution, supposedly approved in a national referendum held in 2008 in the immediate aftermath of the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis. The official results of the constitutional referendum are widely seen as fraudulent, but despite significant domestic and international opposition, Burma's ruling military junta-the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)-has insisted on conducting the polls as part of what it calls a path to "disciplined democracy." On March 9, 2010, the SPDC released five new laws for the pending parliamentary elections. Three of the laws are about the three main types of parliaments stipulated in the constitution-the two houses of the national parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) and the Regional or State parliaments. The fourth law-the Political Parties Registration Law-sets conditions for the registration and operation of political parties in Burma; the fifth law establishes a Union Election Commission to supervise the parliamentary elections and political parties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA520811
Entities
People
- Michael F. Martin
Organizations
- Library of Congress