|
Democracy News
International Community Condemns Burma Ahead of Sham Election
August 23, 2010
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly
Since the official announcement of the Burmese parliamentary election, the international community has been quick to condemn the election as a sham. Scheduled for November 7, 2010, Burma’s first parliamentary election in 20 years has become increasingly restrictive due to the introduction of thirteen junta-implemented electoral reforms. The entire set of electoral reforms, collectively known as the Political Parties Registration Law, was published by Burmese newspapers in March 2010. The reforms include provisions that bar notable democracy activists – such as Aung San Suu Kyi – from participating in the election on the basis that individuals with criminal convictions are not allowed to belong to a political party.
In addition to the already strict election laws, last week the Burmese junta announced further election restrictions. The Associated Press reported that candidates who are participating in the poll must now seek permission to campaign, are not allowed to make speeches that “tarnish” the military government, are not allowed to hold flags during political demonstrations, and are restricted from shouting campaign slogans at processions. Candidates who are found in violation of any of the aforementioned forbidden activities face fines and potential jail sentences. The reforms also bar the participation of members of religious orders and foreigners. In 2007, thousands of Buddhist monks led a series of non-violent anti-government demonstrations to protest the ruling junta government. The demonstrations are often referred to as the Saffron Revolution.
On August 14, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Burma to release all of its political prisoners, Voice of America reported. Commenting on the upcoming election, the Secretary General’s office released the following statement, “The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Myanmar authorities to honor their publicly stated commitments to hold inclusive, free and fair elections in order to advance the prospects of peace, democracy and development for Myanmar.” Previously, Ban had criticized the Burmese junta for being slow to announce the election date and for their lack of cooperation with the UN. Human rights groups report that there are approximately 2,000 political prisoners being held by the Burmese junta.
In addition to the United States and the UN as being outspoken opponents, Japan also recently voiced concern. Addressing the Burmese junta’s attempt to create a democratic façade, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stated, "If Myanmar holds the general election without releasing political prisoners, including Ms. Suu Kyi, it would not be a free, fair and open election that the international community has called for and thus would be regrettable."
On August 18, the US announced that it would support the creation of an international war crimes commission to investigate alleged war crimes by Burma's military junta. According to a statement from the White House, the formation of a war crimes commission would ensure that the Burmese junta is held accountable for its numerous known violations of human rights, BBC News reported. In 2009, the Obama administration announced that it would diplomatically engage with Burma in order to put the country on the path towards reform and credible elections, however, efforts at engagement have been fruitless. Commenting on US-Burma relations, Reuters reported that State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said, "Our strategy has always envisioned not only direct engagement, but also using tools like sanctions to put pressure on the Burmese Government to open up political space in its society.”
In the past year, the Burmese junta has made several previously unseen concessions – including the release of notable dissidents, meetings with Western envoys, and the election itself. However, these small steps towards appeasing the international community have fallen flat upon other announcements that show that the junta has no intentions of holding a free and fair trial. In May 2010, several members of the military stepped down from their posts in order to run as civilian candidates in the election. This move demonstrates that the junta, which is already guaranteed a number of seats in the country’s parliament, is working to secure its grip on state power.
For previous news on Burma, please see: http://ccd21.org/news/asia/burma_opposition_parties_await_election.html
Sources:
Voice of America - UN Urges Burma to Free Political Prisoners Before Elections
Associated Press - Myanmar lays down tough rules for upcoming polls
|
