Since the coup, dozens of EAOs, pro-democracy militias (People’s Defence Forces), and the NUG have signed a (April 2021), explicitly rejecting the 2008 Constitution. This has effectively created a parallel constitutional order—one the military still legally rejects.
“The 2008 Constitution is not a constitution for the people. It is a service contract for the Tatmadaw.” — , Acting President, National Unity Government (2021–present)
The constitution allows for the possibility of a state constitution, but any such document must be “consistent with the union constitution.” The Tatmadaw retains control of military operations even inside state territories. This has been a primary grievance for ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), who have refused to disarm. The 2008 Constitution did not end Myanmar’s civil wars—it froze them.
Since the coup, dozens of EAOs, pro-democracy militias (People’s Defence Forces), and the NUG have signed a (April 2021), explicitly rejecting the 2008 Constitution. This has effectively created a parallel constitutional order—one the military still legally rejects.
“The 2008 Constitution is not a constitution for the people. It is a service contract for the Tatmadaw.” — , Acting President, National Unity Government (2021–present) myanmar constitution 2008
The constitution allows for the possibility of a state constitution, but any such document must be “consistent with the union constitution.” The Tatmadaw retains control of military operations even inside state territories. This has been a primary grievance for ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), who have refused to disarm. The 2008 Constitution did not end Myanmar’s civil wars—it froze them. Since the coup, dozens of EAOs, pro-democracy militias