"The preparatory work done by the SPDC before this constitution comes into operation to bring the constitution into operation, shall be deemed to have been carried out in accord with this constitution," the provision added.

According to the new constitution, the country adopts an executive system of President as head of state who is produced through 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.

The constitution also designates that the Union parliament comprises the house of representatives and the house of nationalities. The legislative power is shared by union parliament, region parliament and state parliament.

As part of election preparatory process, the commission is allowing the use of state-operated Myanmar Radio and Television ( MRTV) for contesting political parties for canvassing for votes with speech until Oct. 31.

Over 3,071 candidates from 37 political parties and independent candidates will contest in the coming multi-party general election.

Of the parliamentary candidates, 82 are independent ones, according to the Union Election Commission.

There are about 1,000 parliamentary seats including those for house of representatives and house of nationalities which constitute the union parliament, and region or state parliament.

As there is only single candidate each competing in 54 constituencies, these 54 candidates are to be announced as legal representative to the parliament from the constituencies, according to the election law.

The Myanmar government announced a seven-step roadmap in August 2003 which mainly include the reconvening of national convention, drafting of new state constitution, holding of national referendum on drafted constitution, sponsoring general election and formation of a new "civilian" government.