This statement was recently issued by Burma Partnership,
a movement of organizations and individuals that aims to develop a
strong broad-based partnership of peoples of the Asia-Pacific
advocating and mobilising a movement for promoting freedom, democracy
and human rights in Burma.
This statement was recently issued by Burma Partnership,
a movement of organizations and individuals that aims to develop a
strong broad-based partnership of peoples of the Asia-Pacific
advocating and mobilising a movement for promoting freedom, democracy
and human rights in Burma.
Only
days into the New Year, on the 62nd anniversary of Burma's Independence
Day on January 4th, Senior General Than Shwe confirmed the military
regime's plan to hold elections this year, warning the people to make
"correct choices".
The
junta chief failed to give a concrete deadlines or the date on which
the people of Burma would head to the polls, a tactic that gives the
junta-backed parties a head start in campaigning. In the latest attempt
to win votes even before the elections have been called, the Union
Solidarity and Development Association organized a free eye clinic in
Momauk Township, Bhamo District, Kachin State. (Note: the Burmese government has announced elections to be on 10 October 2010).
The
clinic was attended by over one thousand residents, as well as
Brigadier General San Htun, Vice-Commander of the Northern Regional
Command. Meanwhile, the junta has denied permission for the National
League for Democracy to convene a meeting to discuss the reorganization
of the party.
Speculation
about the timing of the elections has been mounting. Japanese news
agency Asahi Shimbun reported that according to a military source, the
junta is planning for polls on October 10th. The same source said that
many current ministers would be resigning from their military posts so
they can announce their candidacy by April, when the election laws will
also be promulgated.
The
New York Times published a conflicting account that Western diplomats
have received indications that the vote will come in the late spring or
early summer.
It
is already clear that these elections are going according to the
junta's plan: manipulation and repression are being meted out in order
to ensure that the military and its cronies come out on top.
These
are not conditions under which elections can be free and fair. At the
very minimum, the regime must release all political prisoners,
including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; engage in inclusive dialogue with all
stakeholders, including a comprehensive review of the 2008
Constitution; and cease human rights abuses and criminal hostilities
against the people of Burma. Only then will it be possible to hold
truly democratic elections.
