(DOWNLOAD) "ASEAN and Political Change in Myanmar: Towards a Regional Initiative?(Report)" by Contemporary Southeast Asia # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: ASEAN and Political Change in Myanmar: Towards a Regional Initiative?(Report)
- Author : Contemporary Southeast Asia
- Release Date : January 01, 2008
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 312 KB
Description
On 9 February 2008, Myanmar's ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) announced that a referendum on the final draft of the country's new constitution would be organized in May. It also indicated that there would be multi-party elections in 2010. Reacting to calls to include Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) in a belated broadening of the country's political process before the referendum, the military regime, headed by Senior General Than Shwe, made clear that it would pursue its roadmap to a "disciplined" democracy as planned. (1) Nevertheless, the regime's information minister stated that those who failed to participate in the National Convention (NC), which had worked out most of the new constitution's substance, would have the possibility of participating in the referendum and subsequent election. (2) A week before the referendum, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, causing massive devastation and loss of life, particularly in the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) delta. (3) Ignoring widespread international disbelief and criticism, the ruling junta nevertheless proceeded with the referendum in those areas not affected by the cyclone. In other areas the referendum was briefly postponed until 24 May. According to the SPDC, 98.12 per cent of eligible voters cast their votes in the referendum, with 92.48 per cent supporting the draft constitution. (4) Few observers believe that this outcome was not manipulated. While the constitution, which will effectively leave political power in the hands of the military commander-in-chief, was ratified and promulgated, Suu Kyi's house arrest was extended to May 2009.
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