Multi-party general election begins in Myanmar

The country is to adopt an executive system of President as head of state who is produced through the union parliamentary election. The president is also chief of national defense and security commission in which commander-in-chief of the defense services is a member.

Politically, it pursues a multi-party democratic system with the military participating in the leading role in the country's national politics. The military holds 25 percent of parliament representatives in different-level in which military representatives are non-elected but nominated by the armed forces' commander-in-chief.

Economically, it adopts a market-oriented economic system, allowing the private sector to participate in the economic undertakings of state, regional, cooperative and joint venture organizations for national economic development.

In foreign relations, Myanmar practices an independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and maintain friendly relations with foreign nations, upholding the principles of peaceful coexistence among nations. It does not allow foreign troops to be deployed in the country.

The constitution shall come into operation throughout the union from the day the first session of the union parliament is convened, the constitution states in transitory provisions.

Meanwhile, using another provision of the constitution which empowers the State Peace and Development Council, the council started to introduce new state flag on Oct. 21 prescribed in the new constitution, while retaining the old national anthem.