Myanmar parliament approves constitution amendment report

The approval of the report, which includes amendment of 3,765 stipulations of the state constitution-2008, came after voting with 401 in favor and 197 against.

Discussions are set to continue, focusing on drafting the constitution amending bill.

The report was submitted to the parliament on July 15 and the articles of the constitution to be deliberated for amendment include those from chapters of state leaders, legislation, judiciary, executive, military, citizens and their rights and responsibility, election and political parties as well as prescriptions during the state of emergency period.

Comprising 45 representatives from political parties and the military proportionately, the joint committee was formed on February 19 this year to implement steps for amending the 2008 constitution.

The joint committee was tasked to amend the stipulations in the constitution in line with a democratic standard and amend those prescribed in the constitution hindering the implementation of a multi-party system in the changing era.

It was also tasked to amend those one-sided stipulations in the constitution that fail to protect the citizens' rights of equality and fail to guarantee the holding of a free and fair election.

Myanmar's current constitution was approved through a national referendum in 2008 after it was drawn up by the then lone-convened National Convention.