Analysis of the 2008 SPDC Constitution for Burma

Burma’s ruling junta, the SPDC, has decided to hold elections in 2010 to choose a civilian government under the 2008 constitution, which was adopted by force and fraud. Even if the elections are free and fair, the constitution will only allow for a partially civilian government rather than civilian rule.

International attention has focused most on the constitution’s mandate that the Tatmadaw will appoint 25% of the various legislative bodies. But there’s a much bigger problem: under the constitution, the Tatmadaw is not subject to civilian government, and it writes its own portfolio. It can do whatever it wants […]

The Union Election Commission Law (2010)

The full text of the SPDC’s Union Election Commission Law, passed prior to the 2010 Elections, in English and Burmese.

The 2008 Myanmar Constitution: Analysis and Assessment

International constitutional scholar, Yash Ghai, presents an analysis of the SPDC’s 2008 Constitution.

2008 Constitution

The full text of the State Peace and Development Council’s (SPDC) 2008 Constitution in English and Burmese.

Burma’s State Protection Law: An Analysis of the Broadest Law in the World

An analysis of the Burmese junta’s State Protection Law in the context of the global war on terrorism.

Law Relating to the Formation of Organizations (1988)

The full text of the Law Relating to the Formation of Organizations in English and Burmese.

Burma Citizenship Law (1982)

This is an unofficial translation of the Act, the Pyithu Hluttaw Law No. 4 of 1982. Published in “Working People’s Daily” on 16 October 1982. The Chairman of the Council of State, on 15 October 1982, promulgated the Burma Citizenship Law which was approved and passed by the third session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw […]

The Public Property Protection Act (1947)

The full text of the Public Property Protection Act.

The Penal Code (1861)

The full text of the Penal Code.