1、CRS InsightsBurmas Parliament Defeats Constitutional AmendmentsMichael F. Martin, Specialist in Asian Affairs (mfmartincrs.loc.gov, 7-2199)June 30, 2015 (IN10307)On June 25, 2015, Burmas parliament, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, defeated five of six proposed constitutional amendments that arguably could h
2、ave advanced democratic reforms in which Congress has shown an interest. Among the amendments voted down by the parliament was one that would have removed the restriction that prevents opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from serving as Burmas president and another that would have lowered the thresho
3、ld for amending the constitution from 75% to 70% of the total members of parliament.Under the provisions of Burmas 2008 constitution, which was written by the nations most recent military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), 75% of the total members of parliament (MPs)or 498 of 664
4、 membersmust vote in favor of any proposed contsitutional amendment. This provision gives the 25% of the MPs who are military officers appointed by the Burmese militarys commander-in-chief an effective veto over any constitutional changes. On the day of the vote, 583 MPs were present and 50 were abs
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