1990 election candidates to draft a new constitution

A new federal constitution will be drafted by the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), a coalition of ethnic parties that took part and were subsequently outlawed for running in the 1990 election. 

The UNA, along with the United Nationalities Federation Council (UNFC) – a collection of ethnic-armed groups holding ceasefire talks with the government – desire to bring about a federal state with more regional autonomy for ethnic areas.

“We will draft a new constitution in conformity with the SLORC’s [State Law and Order Restoration Council] announcement if the amendment to the 2008 constitution does not reach a satisfactory level,” said David Hla Myint, general-secretary of the UNA. 

According to a decree (notification No.1/90) by the former military junta – the SLORC – candidates who won in the 1990 election are responsible for drawing up a new constitution. 

The UNA maintains that they will plan to draft a new constitution after calling a conference comprising all national races and armed groups, as the 1/90 announcement remains in effect.

The SLORC called a national convention to draft a constitution in January, 1993. The drawing up of the 2008 constitution took a decade.

“The majority of people boycotted the 2008 constitution, and the country sees frequent protests against it. The government itself has said the constitution needs amending,” said David Hla Myint. “We will officially coordinate with the ruling party only after drafting up the new one. I believe the majority of people will accept it.” 

After the 1990 election that saw the National League for Democracy (NLD) win a landslide victory, the SLORC – which was soon replaced by the State Peace and Development Council – failed to hand over power. 

The military have continued to rule Myanmar under a quasi-civilian government since the last elections in 2010.

Last week, it was announced that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will give a public talk on amending the 2008 constitution in Mandalay on May 18. The NLD has joined hands with the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society to organise talks on constitutional change across the country.