Opposition groups to lead charter campaign
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NLD and allies have found common ground
The National League for Democracy (NLD) will join hands with other opposition parties, civic groups and activists in launching the charter amendment campaign on Saturday.
Joining the movement will be the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners and Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS). Together, they seek to modify Article 436, which governs how and if the 2008 Constitution can be changed.
“I am against the 2008 Constitution for its unfair statements since I was in jail. When I was released, I did not vote because I do not approve the Constitution,” said Kyaw San from FPPS.
They will march from FPPS offices on 154th Street and go to the Bo Sein Mhan grounds. Marchers will wear blue uniforms with the number 436 crossed on the back in memory of U Win Tin, Kyaw San added.
The NLD and 88 Generation have found common ground in seeking to reform the military-drafted charter by focusing on Article 436, which currently requires a 75 per cent approval in parliament and a national referendum to approve any changes.
The groups met with members of United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) – a coalition of ethnic parties – on May 12 and plan to hold the signature campaigns nationwide.
“We talked on coordinating freely during and after the campaigns and the UNA decided to join forces with the NLD and 88 Generation,” said Aye Tha Aung, leader of the Rakhine National Party.
Other civic bodies like the Free Funeral Service Society, Generation Wave, Myanmar Youth Organisation and members of Yangon School of Political Science will also join the march, according to campaign organisers.
