Democratic Voice of Burma

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Union Parliament Law amended, changing MP vote protocol Posted: 20 Jan 2014 01:37 AM PST Burma's Union Parliament on Friday approved a bill amending the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law [Union Parliament Law], which affects voting protocol among Union Parliament members. The amendment effectively empowers the parliament's speaker to choose a voting method – i.e. show of hands, rising vote or computerised vote – for adopting bills in the legislative body. The voting method employed to approve the legislation has not yet been confirmed. Lawmakers have told DVB that the bill was approved on 17 January despite objections from several MPs. Powers granted to the speaker by the new bill were informally used before it's passage, but until now they were not legally enshrined. Pe Than, a lower house representative from Arakan State's Myebon township said the privilege could allow parliament's speakers to manipulate lawmakers' votes, as has been the case in the past. "For example; the Bill Committee, when seeking a decision from lawmakers, would ask a leading question," said Pe Than. He explained that depending on the issue, the speaker might choose to say, "Anyone who wishes to object to the Bill Committee's decision please rise," which led to some members withholding their objections out of either fear or conformity, if no one else was seen standing. "But there are times," he said, "when necessary procedures are adopted… because of leading questions, as the parliament speaker is more insightful than an ordinary lawmaker and can lead us in the right direction." Pe Than said that the Parliament's 'anonymous' computerised voting system, which is the most commonly used, is also flawed, claiming that the system is not secure enough to ensure a confidential vote. "The computer panel shows a green light visible to others when we vote 'yes', and a red light for 'no'. Also, we know the people in the control room can see who voted for what," he said. "We would like to suggest not having the lights on the panel – to conceal the votes – so lawmakers can vote as they really prefer, without having to be afraid of anyone." Related Stories Burma ready to sit in ASEAN chair US$1.2 billion proposed for Burma's Defence budget Parliament begins review of 30 bills

Suu Kyi rallies Karen State, says charter hinders peace process Posted: 19 Jan 2014 11:02 PM PST Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), spoke to her party supporters at a public assembly in Karen State capital Hpa-an on 18 January, declaring that the 2008 Constitution stands in the way of peace between the military and the people of Burma. "The effort to reconcile the Tatmadaw [Burmese armed forces] and the people is made difficult by the way the constitution was written, so it must be amended," she said, urging her supporters to take a clear stand on constitutional reforms. The event was attended by around 40,000 people, according to an NLD official. The party delegation went on to another Karen State town, Hlaingbwe, where a similar public assembly was held and joined by some 30,000 people. Suu Kyi's Karen State appearances follow a similar tour through Burma's western Chin State, where she also held rallies in several towns to explain the party's stance on constitutional reform and urge popular support for several changes, including the proposed lifting of Article 59(f), which bars the opposition leader from assuming the Presidency. Among other contentious sections of the military-drafted charter are the designation of 25 percent military representation in parliament and 75 percent parliamentary approval for amendments. Related Stories US spending bill adds 'new restrictions' on Burma USDP accused of forcibly recruiting members in Sagaing Parliament begins review of 30 bills Party executive Win Htein said 90 percent of attendees in Hpa-an and Hlaingbwe wished to see the constitution amended, according to a survey following the assembly. Likewise, nationwide assessments conducted throughout 2013 and early 2014, which gauged public opinion about whether to amend or completely rewrite the Constitution, also indicated that 90 percent of those surveyed supported amendment. "According to surveys conducted in Naypyidaw, Kawhmu and Tharawaddy townships, and in Chin and Karen States, the majority wished to see the constitution amended rather than completely rewritten," said Win Htein. A government-established Joint-Committee for Reviewing the Constitution charged with recommending modifications is due to finish compiling requested changes by 31 January. The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party have expressed openness to revisions. Suu Kyi's speech, which preceded an upcoming round of peace talks between ethnic armed groups and a government peace-building team in Hpa-an, centered on constitutional clauses that hamper the ongoing attempts at peace and reconciliation between the two sides, which have struggled with civil war and ethnic conflict for decades. The upcoming peace negotiations, which have twice been postponed but are set to resume in February, are geared towards implementing a nationwide ceasefire and setting a plan of action for political settlement and national reconciliation.

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