Guide Note

The new Myanmar Constitution was put to the vote in a referendum on May 10, 2008.

A draft of the constitution was finalized in February, 2008 and went on sale in Myanmar's bookshops April 9, 2008. The draft constitution has generated an uproar from pro-democracy activists. Critics say that the constitution, which took 14 years to write, is designed to further entrench the military junta's rule.

The new constitution, amongst other things, reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for army officers and gives them veto powers over constitutional changes.

The document bars leading democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi from the political process due to her marriage to a foreigner. In the lead up to the referendum, Myanmar's government has begun systematically arresting those expected to vote 'no' to the constitution. Representatives of the United Nations have declared international observation a necessity to ensure a fair vote.

Much of Myanmar was destroyed devastated by a massive cyclone that hit the region just a week before May 10. Despite the carnage death and need to divert the state's resources to rescuing the cyclone's victims, the junta resisted pressure to postpone the referendum. In the devastated south, the vote was delayed by just 14 days. Fast Facts:

1. To be voted on in referendum on May 10, 2008
2. Constitution finalized in February, 2008
3. Constitution took 14 years to write
4. Released to public April 9, 2008
5. Critics argue it only strengthens the status quo
6. Leading democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi will be barred from the political process
7. A series of arrests targeting opponents of the constitution have already begun
8. The United Nations has called for involvement of international observers during the referendum