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by Mizzima News
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Friday, 25 April 2008 17:39 |
A reader sent a letter to Mizzima arguing why Burmese should vote 'No' in the upcoming May 10 referendum on the draft constitution.
Here are the reasons he outlines:
* Amendment of the constitution is rigid, requiring 75 percent of the legislature to propose any changes and requires all eligible voters to support the motion in a referendum. This gives a chance to the military to rule the country forever.
* Provides opportunity for the military to declare a state-of-emergency anytime it wants. This gives the military enormous power to bypass all the laws and nullifies the role of civilian government.
* Does not provide for the separation of powers.
* Military commander-in-chief has final say on decisions.
* Military is a state within the state.
* Reserves 25 percent of seats in both houses for the armed forces.
* Drafted by non-elected assembly.
* Requires the President to have a military background.
* Fails to address ethnic interests.
* Undertaken in a spirit of inequality and unfairness with respect to participating political groups in the national convention.
* Lack of consideration and welcoming of proposals from ethnic groups who participated in the national convention in the hope that their interests would be heard.
* No trust in SPDC's [government's] goodwill to the country as it has a history in power replete with dishonesty.
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"When we look at the next 20 years, I do not see this military mechanism having a smooth transition. But it is not to be discouraged but to understand the reality as it is," 
