Ethnic coalitions to write federal-based constitution

Ethnic coalitions to write federal-based constitution

Published on Thursday, 22 August 2013 00:50

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) and the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) will draft a new federal constitution according to ethnic-council representatives.

The UNFC is the latest coalition representing 11 ethnic armed groups founded in February 2011 and UNA is a coalition of 12 ethnic political parties who in the 1990 election. Both want to establish a federal union in Myanmar.

"We will give priority to the people's desire. Only when the draft is acceptable to the majority of the people, can it be written by legal experts and members of parliament and finishing touches we will put," said Colonel Khun Okka, the deputy general secretary of the UNFC.

The move came after the UNFC and the UNA held a meeting in Thailand earlier this month. Both groups agreed to finish drafting the new constitution by 2013.

"The draft committee of the federal constitution will be formed by women organisations, youth organisations, community-based organisations and other democratic organisations. Drafting the constitution and coordinating the formation of a national union army will run parallel," said Colonel Khun Okka.

He added that the process will also negotiate the constitution of a national army which should be responsible for safeguarding the country from external dangers but should also be under civilian control.

"If this policy is accepted, we will go easy. But until now, we are in a state of laying down policies," added Colonel Khun Okka. 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/22/ethnic-coalitions-to-write-federal-based-constitution/