Legal wheels turn for foreign investors in Myanmar

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While the initial rush of foreign investors to Myanmar slowed down in 2015, likely due to the November elections, 2016 is predicted to be a year of rapid growth. The almost complete transition of power to Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), formerly in opposition, represents an impressive step forward to stability for the nation, and to opening up to the world.

Sure, the military maintains a significant amount of power, but it cannot be overstated how important this development is for the country. Some have wondered if, after the NLD landslide victory, the military would step in and slow reform, but that has not happened – the military should be credited with not only this transition but also for the overall political and economic advancements made in recent years.

One of the military’s reported red lines not to cross is modifying the 2008 constitution. More specifically, the constitution provides the military 25% of the seats in parliament. To amend the constitution requires a vote of more than 75%, so it is unlikely as it would require approval by the military. This may be why on 10 March 2016 the NLD announced their presidential candidate, U Htin Kyaw, a long-time trusted associate of Aung San Suu Kyi who will apparently abide by her instructions (she has been frank in public comments that she will be making the decisions).

The constitution does not permit Suu Kyi to be president as her children do not hold Myanmar passports. Since the NLD’s election victory she has been reportedly discussing with the military allowing this provision of the constitution to be modified, however the red line appears to remain firm.

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William Greenlee is partner and managing director at DFDL Myanmar. He can be contacted on +95 1 540 995 or by email at william.greenlee@dfdl.com

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