The Romonya Mon State Constitution, also referred to as the Mon State Constitution, is currently being drafted collaboratively by Mon armed organizations, Mon political parties, and Mon civil society groups.
According to Dr. Ponnya Mon, principal of the Mon National College, the Mon State Constitution had already been drafted prior to 2021 in preparation for the Mon region’s anticipation of building a future federal union.
“We already have a state constitution draft. It has undergone at least a third draft — perhaps even the fourth revision is ready by now. This draft existed long before the military coup. However, it was intended to be used when we establish a federal union,” he told IMNA.
He added that the draft constitution will continue to be revised and supplemented where necessary, and public feedback will also be gathered.
During April 2025, a Mon National Conference led by the New Mon State Party (NMSP) was held at Ramanñanikaya Dhatumala Mon Pariyatti Monastery in Mawlamyine, Mon State. Attendees included representatives from the New Mon State Party, the Mon Unity Party, civil society organizations, Buddhist monks, Mon women’s organizations, and Mon-language education groups.
Mon politician Dr. Aung Naing Oo told IMNA that the Romonya Mon State Constitution or Mon State Constitution has already reached a near-final stage. However, he noted that no constitution can ever be considered fully complete and that revisions and additions will still be necessary.
“At last year’s Mon Conference in Mawlamyine, we reviewed and supplemented what was still needed. Discussions regarding this constitution have consistently taken place at successive Mon conferences. Of course, if there are remaining needs or gaps, they will continue to be addressed. So, the constitution is already in a draft state,” he said.
Dr. Aung Naing Oo also stated that the Mon people generally support and accept the constitution approved by the Mon National Conference.
The drafting process for the Romonya Mon State Constitution or Mon State Constitution has involved the New Mon State Party, the Mon Unity Party, various Mon civil society organizations, and experts, all working toward establishing a constitutional framework that reflects the aspirations of the Mon people.
Because Mon State is also home to various ethnic communities, Khun Wai Htoo, Secretary of the Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC), said that equality and self-determination for every ethnic group must be fundamental principles.
“We understand that a Mon State Constitution is being drafted. Within the Mon administrative area, there are more than 50,000 Pa-O people living there. Therefore, inclusiveness in drafting the state constitution is essential. We should uphold the value that everyone participates in the drafting process,” he said.
In addition to the Mon people, Mon State is home to Karen, Pa-O, Bamar, and other ethnic communities.
Dr. Aung Naing Oo further explained that the current constitution draft already includes provisions concerning the roles and rights of other ethnic groups living within the Mon region.
“Yes, it does. When we speak of the Romonya region, the constitution also incorporates the ethnic organizations and communities living within that area. It includes sections related to the rights of majority groups, minority groups, and ethnic nationalities,” he said.
The Romonya Mon State Constitution, or Mon State Constitution, was drafted as a guiding framework by Mon people and organizations for a future federal union.
However, Mon politicians say it is still impossible to determine exactly when such a federal union can be established.
