Statement on Burmese Military Regime’s Constitutional Referendum

May 1, 2008

On May 10, 2008, Burmese military regime will hold a referendum on a proposed constitution drafted by the regime’s hand-picked delegates at the so called National Convention sponsored by the regime over the past ten years.  A few representatives of ethnic nationalities, especially those from ethnic armed groups that have signed cease-fire agreements with the regime, were invited to the convention; however, they were not allowed to discuss or debate freely.  Moreover, the regime rejected all the proposals which guarantee the self-determination rights of ethnic nationalities.  Clearly, the constitutional process was monopolized by the regime and the provisions adopted were undemocratic.

  Despite repeated requests from the opposition party, NLD, and ethnics’ political parties, the regime has refused to engage in a genuine dialogue for solving political problems in Burma .  Due to international pressure after the regime’s cracked-down on monks-led demonstration in September 2007, the regime agreed to initiate a dialogue with the NLD.  Shortly after, however, the regime abandoned the dialogue and announced to proceed with a referendum to approve the constitution.

The regime not only corrupted the constitutional process, but the regime has also employed all possible means for the people to approve the constitution.  For instance, the regime directed internal orders for all civil servants to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum.  The regime has suppressed and arrested activists who have been campaigning for not to approve or to vote “No”.  The regime has used its exclusively controlled media to broadcast its propaganda and influence the public.  In rural areas, the regime’s authorities have even threatened that any individual who votes ‘No’ will be jailed.  These indicate that the regime has pursued any means to gain legitimacy for its staying in power.

  In addition, the regime does not allow any independent monitors or observers in the referendum.  Under such circumstances, we do not believe that the referendum will be free, fair, or transparent. 

We, therefore, strongly urge the Burmese military regime:

  To allow independent observers for monitoring the polls and referendum process,

To allow the public for open discussion and debates on the proposed constitution

To provide security and safety to voters, and

We respectfully urge the people of Burma to reject the regime’s proposed, undemocratic constitution.

The statement is jointly issued by

1. Australia Mon Association (AMA)

2. Euro Mon Community

3. Mon Canadian Society

4. Monland Restoration Council ( USA )

5. Mon Women's Association of America

6. Mon Women’s Organization of Canada

7. Mon National League for Consolidating and Aiding (Mae Sot, Thailand )

8. Mon Unity League ( Thailand )

Media Contact:

Nai Siri Mon Chan ( Australia ) Tel:  + (61) 433 555 372.

Nai Mot Deep ( USA ) Tel: 260-447-7741, 260-441-0549

Nai Sunthorn Sripanngern (Thailand) Tel: + (66) 086 989 0079