An essential first step to democracy in Burma is the release of all Political Prisoners. The United Nations Security Council has called for political prisoners to be released but must do more to make sure this happens. Write to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon now calling for urgent action for Burma’s political prisoners.
Reports
Vote to Nowhere
Human Rights Watch reports on the May 2008 Constitutional Referendum in Burma.
SPDC constitution
SPDC constitution which enshrines military rule, giving 25 percent of the seats to the military, and also gives the military effective veto power over decisions made by Parliament. Download the constitution in English here.
Impunity Prolonged: Burma and its 2008 Constitution
Report by the International Center for Transitional Justice calling on the international community to withhold support for Burma’s 2010 elections and not accept the results of the vote unless the government amends the country’s constitution to end impunity for human rights violations.
2010 Elections: A Recipe for Continued Conflict
This report reveals serious concerns over the possible conduct of the 2010 elections that is likely to disenfranchise an estimated 1.9 million voters. It also outlines the serious flaws in the 2008 constitution that will intensify the root causes of conflict that has plagued Burma. The regime’s preparations for 2010…
The Burmese regime is planning to hold an election in 2010 that has been condemned around the world as an attempt to entrench and legitimize military rule. The election is part of the regime’s much criticized “road-map to democracy”, which contains a number of undemocratic measures including the military having an effective veto over decisions made by the new Parliament and government.
The British Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell MP has strongly criticised the 2010 elections, saying that they are “designed to entrench military rule behind a facade of civilian government.”
Image credit: “Constitution signed with Blood” with thanks to the Irrawaddy Newspaper.
Statements
Below are statements from foreign governments and non governmental organization regarding the 2010 election.
UK Government - Burma’s 2010 Election Will Entrench Military Rule (20 Jan 2009)
Australian Senate calls for government not to endorse Burma’s 2010 elections (PDF Format)
European Parliament resolution 11 February 2010 [PDF format]
- Aung San Suu Kyi Election Ban Final Nail In Coffin For Burma ‘Elections’
- European Parliament Rejects Burma Election – Calls For End To Systematic Displacement
- Collective Statement on 2010 Elections
- Burma’s 2010 elections will bring more problems to region, says human rights group
- Statement from Burmese Monks and Students
Statements
Below are statements from the Burmese democracy movement about the 2010 election.
Karen National Union (KNU) statement on the 2010 Election. April 26th 2009. (PDF Format)
National Democratic Front unanimously decided to counter the election to be held in 2010. April 9, 2009 (PDF Format)
Burma’s Democratic and Ethnic Forces “Vow to Oppose the 2010 Election Collectively’. April 6th 2009. (PDF Format)
5th Ethnic Nationalities Conference Statement August 26-28 2008. Burmese (PDF Format) English (PDF Format)