The Government in Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar is currently under a dictatorial government with the military junta controlling majority of the country. The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which replaced the Burma Socialist Programme Party in 1988 consists of commanders that are believed to have more authority and influence than the cabinet ministers. In 1990, a parliament government was established. The current chairman of SPDC is Than Shwe who acts as the chief of state and de facto head of government. The current Prime Minister is Thein Sein. By 2010, a new constitution that is drafted by Myanmar’s armed forces will be instituted ending the 50-year military regime though it automatically gives the junta 25% of the parliament seats.

Despite heavy regulation and repression from the military government, major political groups also exist in Myanmar such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy. NLD won more than 80% of the parliament headed by Aung San Suu Kyi in the 1990 election while the military-endorsed National Unity Party only got 2%. The Prime Minister-elect was put under house arrest by the military junta several times despite appeals and presentments from the international community such as the United Nations and ASEAN. Human rights abuses in Myanmar remain a constant concern for the international community and various human rights organizations. During the country’s independence on January 4, 2007 it released 40 political prisoners.