Preamble
Myanmar is a Nation with magnificent historical traditions. We, the National people,
have been living in unity and oneness, setting up an independent sovereign State and standing
tall with pride.
Due to colonial intrusion, the Nation lost her sovereign power in 1885. The National
people launched anti-colonialist struggles and National liberation struggles, with unity in
strength, sacrificing lives and hence the Nation became an independent sovereign State
again on 4th January 1948.
In order to gain independence speedily, the Constitution was hastily drafted, and it
was adopted by the Constitutent Assembly on 24th September 1947. After attaining
independence, Parliamentary Democracy System was practised in the State in accord
with the Constitution of the Union of Myanmar. However, as democratic system could not
be effectively materialized, the new Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of
Myanmar was drafted based on the single party system, and after holding a National
Referendum, a socialist democratic State was set up in 1974. The Constitution came to an
end because of the general situation occurred in 1988.
Later, due to public aspirations, the State Peace and Development Council made
efforts to adopt multi-party democratic system and market economy in accord with the
National situation.
As an enduring Constitution, that guarantees long-term benefits, has become
essential for the future nation, the State Peace and Development Council convened the
National Convention in 1993.
Persons who are well experienced in various aspects of politics, security,
administration, economics, social and law as well as National races representatives of all
townships in the Nation took part in the National Convention.