Parliament has convened in Burma for the first time in more than two decades, following elections late last year. The first sitting of the two-chambered national parliament brings into effect a new constitution and officially ends nearly 50 years of military rule. But critics say the real power will remain in the hands of top generals. A quarter of seats in parliament are reserved for serving members of the armed forces. The vast majority of contested seats are occupied by members of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is backed by the current military government. The main Aung San Suu Kyi-led opposition party has no seats because it boycotted the 7 November election – a poll widely criticised by Western governments and by democracy activists within Burma.
Newly-elected politicians and their newly-appointed military equivalents opened their session in a newly-built parliament in Burma’s remote jungle capital, Naypyitaw, at 0855 local time (0225 GMT), a time chosen for its auspiciousness. Fourteen regional assemblies also opened at the same time. Most lawmakers represent the USDP, which won almost 77% of the vote in the election. There are a handful of pro-democracy lawmakers and representatives of ethnic parties in parliament but the USDP and the military caucus are expected to dominate proceedings. BBC South East Asia correspondent Rachel Harvey says the first session is expected to last about two weeks, during which time Speakers for the upper and lower house should be chosen. An electoral college will be formed to nominate candidates for the posts of president and two vice-presidents. Only then will it become clear who will hold the reigns of power in the new-look Burma, she adds. Security is reported to be tight around the parliament building and neither journalists nor diplomats have been invited to attend the opening ceremony. – BBC
