Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962, with the military junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), seizing power and abolishing the 1947 Constitution. In 1997, SLORC renamed itself the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), but the military's grip on power remained unyielding. In 2008, a new constitution was promulgated through a national referendum, which was widely criticized for being undemocratic and lacking in transparency.
Yet, the constitution did bring one unexpected thing: a schedule. It forced the junta to hold elections in 2010, and in 2011, a civilian-faced government took office, led by former general Thein Sein. For a brief, dazzling moment, hope flickered. Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. Parliament, for all its military seats, debated laws. Foreign investors tiptoed back. myanmar 2008 constitution