The briefer examines the December 2005 – January 2006 convening of the ongoing SPDC National Convention (NC). The constitution drafting process continues to be illegitimate, unrepresentative, and an exercise in futility.

Despite the junta’s repeated claims that the National Convention is nearing an end, the SPDC tells foreign diplomats that the latest session of the NC will not complete new constitution. The slow pace of democratic reform draws criticism from the international community.

While the USDA was active in organizing “forced” rallies in support of the NC process, the NMSP and KNPP pull their delegates from the NC as tensions mount between SPDC and other ceasefire groups. Convention delegates who attend the NC proceedings meet in a climate of fear and intimidation.