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The dilemma of 'No' and 'Yes' votes for Burmese people
Shyamal Sarkar
The Burmese military junta's desperation in having the draft constitution drawn up after 14 tenuous years of the National Convention is increasing by the day. It is using myriad ploys to win votes supporting the constitution. The regime is using a judicious mix of the carrot and the stick, where it is wooing the electorate and at the same time intimidating and coercing them to cast the 'Yes' vote in the referendum slated to be held on May 10.
The sops vary from offering sacks of...
Will the NMSP's stance on referendum prove dear?
Shyamal Sarkar
The New Mon State Party (NMSP) which has a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military junta and has had to weather a lot of criticism and debate on whether it should continue with the truce has at last taken a stand on the regime's announcement of holding a referendum to approve the draft constitution.
The NMSP has spelt out rather firmly that the regime should not go in for a referendum to approve the constitution without first holding a tripartite dialogue between it,...
Gambari's listless Burma visit makes no headway
By Shyamal Sarkar
The United Nations special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari seemingly ran into a stone wall in Burma in his mission to convince the Tatmadaw to make the process of transition to democracy an inclusive process by involving the opposition. The Burmese junta in a way sent the envoy packing after being overtly critical of his manner of functioning.
Gambari left Burma after his third visit since the September crack down on monk led protests and left a lingering impression that his...
Prospects for Burma's New Constitution
By Ashley South
In February the SPDC military government announced that a referendum will be held this May, to endorse a new constitution. Following the referendum (presumably, if the regime is successful in engineering a 'yes' vote) elections are scheduled for 2010.
The government-controlled constitution-drafting process of 1993-2007 did not involve significant participation from elected representatives (the NLD, and 67 ethnic nationality MPs-elect, including five from the MNDF). Although several...
Is Gambari fighting a losing battle?
By Shyamal Sarkar
Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations Special Envoy to Burma, who has headed back to the country for the third time, has an unenviable task on hand. He needs to convince the Tatmadaw to go about the process of reconciliation and political reforms by involving all political parties and ethnic groups. And not just on the basis of its conceived seven point road mad by seeking to endorse its draft constitution through a referendum followed by general elections in 2010.
He also needs to...
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