Indiana University expert: Don’t pin hopes on Burma’s upcoming elections

The international community will be making a mistake if it focuses on encouraging Burma’s military government to hold “free and fair” elections in November, says an Indiana University law professor who has advised the Asian nation’s ethnic opposition groups.

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 […]