Discussions on Myanmar charter change will begin next month

Aye Maung is also a member of the Constitution Amendment Commit-tee that was formed on February 3.

“At present, the committee does not have any ongoing work assigned under the previous parliamentary session. There are no activities. We have learnt that the next legislative session will commence in the third week of May. And in the first week, we plan to hold a meeting on constitution amendments. We expect our talks to proceed continuously, including during the weekends,” Aye Maung said.

Union Assembly Speaker Thura Shwe Mann said the provisions slated for change must be amended in accordance with the legislative power and should be completed six months ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Aye Mauk, secretary of the committee in charge of charter change, told reporters in February that the charter’s Section 436 had to be amended even though it might be difficult to change. The committee is responsible for charter change, for reviewing charter provisions and for drafting the proposed amendments.

It comprises 31 representatives, including 14 from the Union Solidarity and Development Party, seven from the military, two from National League for Democracy and one each from the National Unity Party, Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, Chin Progressive Party, Phalon-Sawar Democracy Force, Pao National League, Arkan Nationalities Development Party and All Mon State Democracy Party.