"Burma?s transition is an example of top-down reform and differs from Switzerland?s bottom-up federalism, said a senior member of a Shan delegation that recently returned from an exposure trip to Switzerland. Khuensai Jaiyen, a long-time advisor to the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the political wing of the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), told The Irrawaddy that he and his fellows were invited to study democratic systems and federalism in Switzerland by the country?s Foreign Ministry. The visit lasted from January 16-25 and was arranged by the Swiss Embassy in Rangoon. ?Their democratic system is not controlled by the top [central government]; it is a bottom-up system. They have a power sharing system among three main governing bodies. Individuals have authority,” said Jaiyen of Switzerland?s system of autonomous cantons and communes. The Swiss constitution grants a central authority but also protects the right to self-government on local issues. ?What is happening in our country is a top-down system,” he said of Burma. ?Financial institutions are controlled by the top. The public is not allowed to participate [in politics].” Jaiyen also found it noteworthy that the Swiss government holds referendums before spending funds from the national budget and then adheres to decisions made by the people..."