Rallies to pave way for Suu Kyi's presidency

 

The amendments in Sections 436 and 59, paragraph F, will effectively remove the obstacles and pave the way for National League for Democracy leader Aung San SuuKyi to contest for the presidency at the next general election.

Section 436 poses a major obstacle for charter change and Section 59 stipulates for qualifications to contest for public office, seen as a ban against Suu Kyi to run for the presidency.

Organised by NLD and 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, the rallies were the latest attempt by opposition politicians in pushing for the charter amendments after futile attempts during parliamentary sessions. They are now turning their efforts to win more public support.

After the rallies, the petition to amend Section 436 will be circulated for public debate from May 27 to July 19. Sponsoring it are the NLD, the 88 Generation, student unions, labour unions and other political organisations. 

Addressing a crowd at the rally in Yangon on Saturday, Suu Kyi urged the military top brass as well as rank-and-file soldiers to support a petition campaign to amend the charter.

“I would like you all to consider whether getting more opportunities than ordinary citizens is really fair,” Suu Kyi said. “The main strength of the military forces is weapons. So I would like you to consider whether getting special opportunities because of the power of arms is dignified or good for yourself.”

At the rally in Yangon on Saturday, organisers said there was no obstacle for charter change anywhere in the world like Section 436. In order to advance forward democracy to meet the people’s aspirations, the controversial provision should be amended, they said. They also stated that this provision had been drafted and enacted without the consent of MPs.

“The 2008 Constitution should be amended. Not only the Section 436 but the entire Chapter 12 should be amended. Some people do not have an in-depth understanding of Section 436. The lecture held in Yangon and Mandalay will give information to the people,” said advocate Tin Aung.

Peaceful demonstrations also took place in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Region, which is the native town of president Thein Sein. A crowd of 300 people showed up at the NLD-led rally. 

The rally was approved, though the authorities of Ngaputaw Township refused to grant a permit for demonstrations against land grabbing and human rights violations. 

“The 2008 Constitution was drafted and approved by those in power. Now we have the chance to express our wish. I believe only Daw Aung San Suu Kyi can save our country. That’s why I want to amend the Section 59 (F). I think this section bans her to be the president,” said Zaw Win Aung, who was at the rally. 

The United States last week decided to extend some sanctions against Myanmar for another year, in light of conflicts, human rights abuses as well as the “continued role of the military in the country’s political and economic activities.”

The 2008 constitution ring-fences a quarter of the seats in parliament for unelected military personnel, leaving the army with a significant political role despite the end of outright junta rule. 

Parliamentary elections due to be held in 2015 are seen as a definitive test of whether the military is willing to loosen its grip on power.

The country’s president is selected by the legislature, and Suu Kyi has declared her ambition to lead the country.

Any change to the charter needs the support of over 75 per cent of the legislature, so at least some soldiers would have to vote for the reforms. 

Suu Kyi spent 15 years under house arrest during military rule in Myanmar, before she was freed after controversial elections in 2010 that her party boycotted. 

Since then President Thein Sein has pushed through sweeping changes, including releasing other political prisoners and welcoming Suu Kyi and her party into parliament following landmark by-elections in 2012.