The
SPDC ’s proposed 2010 elections, the first step in activating
the 2008 constitution, will have disastrous impacts on Burma and
the region.
In a briefer titled “2010
Elections: A Recipe for Continued Conflict”, regional human
rights network Altsean-Burma states that the regime’s preparations
for 2010 have already had serious human security impacts on the
region - increased crimes against humanity and escalated armed conflict
caused 43,800 refugees to cross over into China and Thailand within
the past 3 months alone.
The 11-page briefer 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 briefer proposes solutions
to turn the situation around and presents indicators to assess progress.
It asserts that immediate steps forward must be centered on changes
to allow constitutional amendments by a majority of civilian legislators
and ensuring that all people of Burma, including political prisoners,
can participate as voters and candidates.
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