ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of power-sharing in ongoing transition processes in Myanmar. It studies both the democratisation process and the ethnic conflicts, and the relationship between the democratisation and peace process. The chapter introduces the current division into seven ethnic Burmese dominated regions and seven states with concentrations of ethnic minorities. It is headed by the Myanmar Peace Centre, which was established by the president with support of international donors in 2012 and includes several government ministers. While the desired reforms would clearly require some form of constitutional changes, the ethnic parties are, divided as to whether the 2008 Constitution should be scrapped altogether or whether it should be kept but amended. The House of Nationalities has to approve all legislation. The need for changing the constitution explains why the National League for Democracy (NLD) wants to retain the current plurality electoral system, as the NLD hopes that majoritarian aspects of the system will work to their benefit.
