Important matters concerning a constitution—from legislative and judicial questions to presidential powers and functions— have been discussed in recent days at the National Convention organized by Burma’s junta to draft a new constitution. Some observers and dissidents view the Convention so far as a “success.”

State-run newspapers have been reporting details of presentations, relating to a draft constitution - made by members of the junta’s National Convention Convening Commission. 

Everything from A to Z will be laid down as they [the junta] draft it. — Win Naing

The National Convention was initiated in 1993 to draft a constitution that would bring reconciliation among the military, ethnic and opposition groups. After a long suspension, the Convention was resumed in 2004. 

Some political observers and dissidents claim the Convention is proceeding on lines dictated by the junta, although the international community and most opposition groups inside and outside Burma say this isn’t necessarily so.

“No one can stop it,” said Amyotheryei Win Naing a leader of a Rangoon-based National Politicians Group (Myanmar), in a phone interview from Rangoon. “[The government] will try to finish it this year.” 

The main opposition National League for Democracy, or NLD, made an attempt to stop the Convention or change its procedures by walking out of the assembly in 1995. The NLD complained the Convention was undemocratic and that free discussion was not allowed. The following year, the convention stalled.

When the junta resumed last year, the NLD and the ethnic-based Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, or SNLD, decided not to take part, although their leaders were individually invited.

“In a way, it’s a loss since we are politically weak,” Win Naing said. The NLD and other opposition groups were unable to stop the Convention, and the general public paid little attention to it, he said. “I don’t even think about an international role in that case,” he added.