DVB

Saturday, May 3, 2008

May 2, 2008 (DVB)—Twelve ethnic political parties have urged the Burmese people to vote against the military regime’s draft constitution in the 10 May referendum. This puts the ethnic parties in line with the National League for Democracy and other pro-democracy groups who have also urged voters to reject the constitution. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Mon National Democratic Front, Zomi National Congress, Arakan League for Democracy, Chin National League for Democracy, Karen National Congress for Democracy, Kachin State National Congress for Democracy, Kayah State Nationalities League for Democracy, Democratic Organization for Kayan National Unity, Mara Peoples' Party, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party and Arakan Peoples' Democratic Allies all put their names to an announcement calling for a “No” vote. Pu Cin Sian Thang, chairperson of the Zomi National Congress and spokesperson for the United Nationalities Alliance, explained the reasons for the groups’ announcement. “[The government] claimed that the 1990 elections were free and fair and even announced the names of the elected representatives but have not implemented the results,” Pu Cin Sian Thang said. “Nearly 20 years later, this is the first time they are giving the people an opportunity to vote either for or against. This is the first opportunity, so do not let it slip away,” he urged. “The second reason is that their draft constitution does not include the federal union concept. It is meant for a single nation and perpetuates the military dictatorship.” Pu Cin Sian Thang also urged voters to stay until the polls closed to ensure the ballot boxes are opened in front of at least 10 eligible voters as required by the government’s referendum rules. The National Council of the Union of Burma, made up of ethnic groups, democracy activists and elected representatives on the Thai-Burmese border, also welcomed the ethnic parties’ announcement. NCUB spokesperson U Myint Thein said the group supported the call to reject the constitution. “The NCUB strongly supports and welcomes the announcement which was made to honour more than 50 years of history of the ethnic nationalities' struggle and the loss of many lives,” he said.

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