Elected representatives from the opposition party of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi are unlikely to take their seats in the Burmese parliament on Monday because they disagree with the oath of office.
National League for Democracy party spokesman Nyan Win said that efforts to change the oath or get a court to interpret its meaning had so far failed.
The party objects to wording that says politicians have to protect and safeguard the constitution.
The party’s position is that some clauses in the constitution are undemocratic and should be changed.
The NLD won 43 of the 44 seats in April 1 by-elections, including one contested by Ms Suu Kyi.
This would make it the biggest opposition party in the military-dominated legislature.