Burma's Parliament Defeats Constitutional Amendments (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
June 30, 2015 |
| Report Number |
IN10307 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Martin, Michael F. |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On June 25, 2015, Burma's parliament, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, defeated five of six proposed constitutional amendments that arguably could have advanced democratic reforms in which Congress has shown an interest. Among the amendments voted down by the parliament was one that would have removed the restriction that prevents opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from serving as Burma's president and another that would have lowered the threshold for amending the constitution from 75% to 70% of the total members of parliament. Under the provisions of Burma's 2008 constitution, which was written by the nation's most recent military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), 75% of the total members of parliament (MPs)--or 498 of 664 members--must vote in favor of any proposed contsitutional amendment. This provision gives the 25% of the MPs who are military officers appointed by the Burmese military's commanderinchief an effective veto over any constitutional changes. On the day of the vote, 583 MPs were present and 50 were absent; 31 seats currently are vacant. All 166 military MPs reportedly were present.
