"This briefing paper is intended to give a concise overview of the main provisions of the electoral laws and bylaws issued by the Myanmar authorities in March 2010, and to discuss some of the implications of the most important provisions. These laws establish the detailed framework for the first elections in Myanmar for 20 years, which will take place later this year on a date yet to be announced. These elections, while they will not be free and fair, nevertheless represent the most important political shift in a generation. A new political space will be created ? however constrained it may be ? along with a set of new State institutions. The ageing military leadership will also hand over the reins of power to a new generation. It is therefore vital to have a clear understanding of this legislation and its likely consequences; however, much of the debate so far has been based on a hasty and often erroneous reading of the laws..."