Myanmar has adopted new name and flag

Republic of the Union of Myanmar was established as part of the 2008 Constitution and formally adopted in 2010. Myanmar raised a new flag on 21 October 2010.  The design is contained in the new Constitution adopted 29 May 2008 that comes into effect after elections in November 2010.  The design revives the colours of the triband used during the Japanese occupation of Burma in 1943-45. The large white star symbolises the Union of the states and was part of the Burmese flag used from independence in 1948 until 1974.

The design of the flag has three horizontal stripes of yellow, green and red with a five-pointed white star in the middle. The three colors of the stripes are meant to symbolize solidarity, peace and tranquility, and courage and decisiveness.

Here is the section on the flag:

Chapter XIII

State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital Regarding the State Flag,

"(1) The State Flag shall be prescribed as follows: The Flag is marked with yellow, green and red stripes in a proportionate ratio. On the green stripe in the centre of the State Flag is a large white star covering all the three stripes directing upwards.

"(2) Law shall be promulgated concerning the State Flag."

A constitutional referendum was held in Burma (also known as Myanmar) on 10 May 2008 (24 May 2008 in some townships) according to an announcement by the State Peace and Development Council in February 2008. According to the military government, the new Constitution of Burma will ensure the creation of a "discipline-flourishing democracy". Multi-party elections are to follow in 2010.

The constitutional referendum law was enacted and a referendum commission was set up on 26 February 2008. Reportedly, the law ensures the secret casting of votes and requires a public count of the ballots to prove it is fair.

The draft constitution was published and the date of the referendum finally announced on 9 April 2008. Among the changes that the referendum seeks to make are:

• *One quarter of all parliamentary seats would be reserved for military officers.
• *The Ministry of Home Affairs would fall exclusively under military control.
• *Anyone married to a non-Burmese would be barred from running for the premiership. Many international media reports suggest that this provision would have the effect of making opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi ineligible for the presidency, although her British husband died in 1999.
• 
  

Source from: Various websites.

Posted in: 2010,world