As Burma’s military junta is set to hold voting for a referendum on May 10 in regards to a new constitution, it has been urged by the United Nations Security Council to allow all political players to participate. In short, they are asking for a ballot that is free, fair, and provides transparency. However, it is likely that the pleas from the UN will be ignored by Burma’s government which is run by the military.
In regards to the ballot, there is only a ‘Yes’ vote on the ballot. A ‘No’ vote is not present. So far, there is the strong indication that the people of Burma do not have a choice in the matter. They must vote or suffer the consequences.
In the case of the UN, not only did it ask for all fundamental political freedoms are respected, it demanded that all political prisoners to be released. However, there is opposition from China. So far, the China’s ambassador to the UN said that the conditions for the referendum for each country are not up to the UN Security Council to decide.
But, China has been faced with much criticism in regards to its crackdown on the pro-Tibet independence protests back in March. Last year, there were pro-Democracy demonstrations taking place in Burma. But, Burma’s military junta violently cracked down. So far, the death toll in the wake of last year’s crackdowns are still be debated over.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the referendum. The group called it an excuse to ensure the military stays in power. Its argument does carry weight in the matter.
So far, it is reported that the military junta has resorted to using fear and intimidation to get people to “vote” on the referendum of the constitution. Under this constitution, Burma’s military will remain in control of the country. Soldiers and civil servants have been ordered to vote.
For military officers and officials, they will be relieved of their posts if there is no majority vote cast in their areas. Students have been threatened that if they do not vote on the referendum, they will get kicked out of school.
Another example of such tactics is that the farmers have been given an ultimatum. They have the choice of voting for the referendum or risk having their land taken away and used by the government.
In addition, Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from running for office in accordance to the charter. The charter for the constitution says that any Burmese citizen that marries a foreigner is now allowed to run for office. This is one example on how the referendum is considered a sham.
Suu Kyi is a Nobel peace laureate that was placed under house arrest for twelve years since the 1990s. Her National League for Democracy Party won the elections in 1990. However, Burma’s military junta refused to acknowledge the results. Technically, Suu Kyi was supposed to be the leader of Burma.
Since then, there have been no elections.
While there is the chance that Burma will be under the scope of the international community again, there is a good chance it will be eclipsed by China and the fate of the Olympic Games.
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