Civil society rallies for charter change

 

People from 35 different civil society organisations held the mass rally in Yangon’s East District. It followed a huge rally the previous week, which was led by the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 

The protesters, divided into two groups, marched from Thakayta and Dawbon townships to a football ground in Dawbon Township. 

They shouted slogans such as “Immediately amend Section 436” and “Down with Section 59 (f) and Section 6 (f)”. 

They also demanded constitutional amendments to reduce the military’s role in politics, ensure ethnic equality, democracy and to improving people’s living conditions. 

The two groups assembled in the football ground, where political activists gave talks on amending Section 436. 

“The current constitution does not give full rights to citizens. If we have real democracy, power must be in the hands of the people. But the constitution carries provisions entrusting most power to the military. Since the drafting of constitution, the public wishes have not been heard. This is why we show through our protest, which is not directed against any individual. We join the protest with the intention of having the constitution amended because it grants no full rights to our citizens,” said Myint Oo, a protester from Thakayta Township. 

Among the 35 organisations were Generation Wave, Yangon School of Politics, We Generation, Laiza Peace Walk Group and All Myanmar Labour Unions Network. 

The latest protest represents 14 townships in Yangon East District and it is the largest of all protests held in Yangon demanding for charter reform. 

More than half of 42 townships in Yangon have also staged protests. 

On Sunday, Suu Kyi also kicked off the petition to amend Section 436 in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.

The petition campaign will continue until July 19. Those wishing to sign the petition must be Myanmar citizens, older than 18, he or she must not be insane, and can only sign the petition once. 

The petition must carry the voter’s name, national registration card and address. 

Some political parties are criticising Parliament for the reluctance to amend Section 436 before the 2015 elections. 

“Section 435 of the constitution says that if 20 per cent of the total number of parliamentary representatives (equivalent to 133 representatives) submit a bill to amend the constitution, it shall be considered by Parliament. But it requires the approval of 499 representatives to become an amendment. That’s why Parliament is playing a crucial part in the charter reform,” said Ko Ni, legal expert and a member of the NLD’s legal support committee.