This important 1996 analysis of Burma's National Convention , which has not convened in plenary since 1996, may be of interest to those who are concerned about the military regime's intention to resurrect it, in a renewed effort to bypass the results of the 1990 elections... "Rather than moving Burma toward democracy, the National Convention is impeding the democratization process by failing to create structures of accountability and transparency and by obstructing processes for growth of independent political life... The National Convention and the SLORC's repression of political freedoms and genuine political dialogue violate Burma's UN Charter obligations, illuminated by the Universal Declaration [of human rights] ..."...OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY; I DEVELOPMENTS LEADING TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION; II. THE NATIONAL CONVENTION: A. Supplanting the Will of the People expressed by Electoral Mandate; 1. Permanent Minority Role for Elected Representatives; 2. Restrictions on Freedoms of Convention Delegates ... B. Obstructing Genuine Dialogue... C. Dismantling Political Structures and Suppressing Independent Activity: 1. Nullification of Elected Candidates' Status; 2. De-registration of Political Parties; 3. Political Restrictions on Parties and Activists... D. Ensuring Permanent Military Control over Law and Politics: 1. Constitutional Principles that Entrench Military Control; 2. Development of a Nationwide Patronage System for Political Support... II. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: 1. Obstruction of Political and Associational Rights; 2. Violations of Economic and Social Rights... III. RECOMMENDATIONS... ANNEXES: I Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 14/89, 31 May 1989; II Letter from Aung Shwe, Chairman of the National League for Democracy, to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, dated 25 March 1996 (to arrange for convening of the first Pyithu Hluttaw (legislature)) (official translation); III Law Amending the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 10/91,10 July 1991; IV Letter from Aung Shwe, Chairman of the National League for Democracy, to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, dated 28 March 1996 (protest against lawless proceedings) (official translation).