Burma’s dictatorship has announced that it will hold elections on 7 November 2010. The fake elections are part of their much-criticised “road-map to democracy” that has been condemned around the world as an attempt to entrench and legitimize military rule. The entire process is a sham. The elections will bring in a new constitution, which contains many undemocratic measures including the military having an effective veto over decisions made by the new Parliament and government. It is designed to keep the dictatorship in power and will not bring any new freedom to Burma’s people.

The British Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has said: “These elections are set to be held under deeply oppressive conditions designed to perpetuate military rule. The Burmese people should have a real chance to vote for change. Instead, the first opportunity in twenty years for Burma’s people to have a more open, stable and prosperous society has been missed.  

It is not yet too late for the Burmese authorities to take credible steps to allow the citizens of the country to determine who should run their country. Today, I urge the Burmese military government to allow a free and fair campaign and polling process, to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to instigate an inclusive dialogue with the full participation of all opposition and ethnic groups. Unless they do so, these elections will not have legitimacy or international credibility.”

Image credit: “Constitution signed with Blood” with thanks to the Irrawaddy Newspaper.