14 states might be a win

14 states might be a win-win solution, say scholars

National Reconciliation 

The division of Burma into 7 regions and 7 states, the principle proposed by the military, could be an answer to the current political deadlock, according to two scholars. 

Alfred Stepan, professor of government at Columbia University, writes if Burma proper is treated as one state on grounds of equal representation of each nation, the country "would have degrees of over and under representation massively more extreme than that found in any federal democracy in the world." 

He argues in his paper, Multi-Nationalism, Democracy and Asymmetrical Federalism, published August, 2002 by the Technical Advisory Network of Burma that to help alter the balance of power, it is essential "to design and support a democratic federal system that protects their most important cultural desires, without at the same time creating incentives for the military to block democratization, and disincentives for the majority nationality -the Burmans- to support democratization." 

Accordingly, for multi-national countries like Burma, he suggests Belgium, Canada, India and Spain as more suitable models rather than Argentina, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Germany and the USA that are basically "mono-national." 

For mono-national countries, a symmetrical federal system, as found in Argentina, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Germany and the USA, is employed where each full member has the same constitutionally embedded obligations and rights. "However, in a democratic asymmetrical federal system, the constitution makers, in order to 'hold together' the polity in one peaceful democracy, may give constitutionally embedded special rights for distinct members of the federation," he says. 

For example, there are 13 provinces and territories in Canada, where the majority live under Anglo-Saxon common law and English language. But "it was decided that Canada would have a better chance to 'hold together' if the Napoleonic code and the French language were constitutionally embedded as having a legitimate place in Quebec (where French speaking people are the majority)." 

He therefore recommends that the international donors help arrange for both Burman and non-Burman nationality groups to make study visits to Spain and Belgium, where the asymmetrical federalism is practiced. 

Commenting on the paper, Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, one of Burma's foremost political analysts and activists, concludes the key is not whether there are 8 states or 14 states as long as power "rests in the hands of local communities through their respective LOCAL governments. The crucial key is for there not to be a Pyi-Ma (or a Mother State). Where there is a PYIMA, this points to a colonial-like configuration or a unitary-like arrangement." 

"Eight states" is an NLD position, according to Harn Yawnghwe, advisor to the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma. 

For further information, please visit <www.burmafund.org>