The legislative branch is bicameral:
No independent mechanism to enforce fundamental rights. All rights can be suspended by the military-controlled NDSC. constitution of myanmar 2008
| Right | Provided? | Limitation | |-------|-----------|-------------| | Equality before law | Yes | Subject to “public order, morality, or national security” | | Freedom of religion | Yes | Not allowed if it “affects national unity” | | Freedom of speech/press | Yes | Heavily restricted by “security, rule of law, ethnic harmony” | | Right to privacy | Yes | Derogable during emergencies | | Right to property | No | State can acquire without compensation for “public purpose” | The process was slow, guided by the military,
The most defining feature of the constitution is Article 109(b) and Article 141(b), which mandate that 25% of the seats in both houses are reserved for serving military officers nominated by the Commander-in-Chief. The process was slow
Following the 1988 uprising, the military junta (State Law and Order Restoration Council - SLORC) assumed power. In 1993, a National Convention was convened to draft principles for a new constitution. The process was slow, guided by the military, and suspended multiple times.
Any constitutional amendment requires >75% approval, but since the military holds 25% of seats, it has a de facto veto over all amendments.