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Myanmar is experiencing unprecedented upheaval in the wake of the February 1 coup. Spiralling violence, mass displacement and widespread arrests and killings of civilians are plaguing the country, which seems far from any resolution favourable to either the junta or the civilian population. Any post-coup scenario requires innovation and efficiency to restore democracy. In the eyes of most Burmese citizens, this precludes power-sharing with the country’s military. A widely shared goal among diverse stakeholders including civil society, ethnic representatives and the parallel National Unity Government is to rebuild the state based on democratic and federal principles, drawing a clear line under the historic era of military domination.Against the backdrop of Myanmar’s political crisis and a steady transformation commonly known as the “Spring Revolution,” the broadest front of resistance, known as the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), endorsed and published a new Federal Democracy Charter in April.
The Charter’s promulgation marked a new phase in popular resistance to military rule and efforts to rebuild society. As a step towards democratic constitutionalism, the Charter represents an important trust-building document and a vital base for developing an inclusive alliance between all stakeholders opposed to the coup. As common during democratic transitions and constitutional beginnings, there are many questions about the legitimacy and sources of authority for the emerging actors. There is also debate about the status of the legal framework and institutional arrangements that pre-dated the coup.
The FCCT is pleased to welcome International IDEA and a panel of speakers to discuss key questions and analyse Myanmar’s constitutional journey, focused on the Federal Democracy Charter and Myanmar’s constitutional history.
Panelists include:
Marcus Brand, International IDEA head of mission, Myanmar.
W. Elliot Bulmer, International IDEA, senior programme officer.
Lian Sakhong, NUG Minister for Federal Affairs.
Leena Rikkila-Tamang, International IDEA director for Asia & the Pacific.
Jason Gelbort, founder and CEO of Upland Advisors.
Thinzar Shunlei Yi, democracy and human rights activist, Action Committee for Democracy Development.
Moderator: Gwen Robinson, FCCT board member.
All are welcome to attend this event in-house. The discussion will not be livestreamed due to security concerns; Zoom participation is by invitation only.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand - FCCT, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Maneeya Center, Penthouse, Bangkok, Thailand