Constitutions Burma

The Constitution of Myanmar is the supreme law of Myanmar. Before gaining independence, there had been two quasi-constitutions under British rule and Japanese occupation. Since it gained independence in 1948, Myanmar has had three constitutions, eleven constitutional amendments and two periods without any constitution. The country has been ruled by military juntas for most of its history. Myanmar's first constitution adopted by constituent assembly was enacted for the Union of Burma in 1947. After the 1962 Burmese coup d'état, the 1947 constitution was suspended and a second constitution was enacted in 1974 for the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, which was also suspended after the 1988 coup d'état. The 2008 Constitution, the country's third constitution, was published in September 2008 after a referendum, and came into force on 31 January 2011, having been amended in 2015 and 2020. Under this current constitution, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces, officially the Defence Services) retain significant control of the government, even before their coup of 2021. Under the constitution, 25% of seats in the legislature, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, were reserved for serving military officers. The ministries of Home Affairs, Border Affairs and Defence were headed by serving military officers who were appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. The military also appointed one of the country's two Vice Presidents. Hence, the country's civilian leaders have little influence over the security establishment.