Than Shwe Reaffirms Election Stance

Burma’s military strongman, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, indicated in a speech on Friday that he would not yield to demands from domestic and international critics who say that the country’s military-sponsored constitution should be revised ahead of next year’s elections.

“The new State constitution has been approved by the great majority,” Than Shwe said in an address to the Myanmar War Veterans Organization speech in Naypyidaw. “Elections will be systematically held in 2010 … in accord with the constitution.”

Snr-Gen Than Shwe addresses the Myanmar War Veterans Organization. (Photo: The Mirror)

The constitution, drafted by delegates handpicked by the junta, was “approved” by more than 90 percent of eligible voters during a referendum in May 2008. The outcome of the referendum was widely dismissed as a sham.

The regime has consistently ignored calls from the international community and Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), to review the constitution.

There are estimated to be 10 political parties in Burma, most of them inactive. The regime has yet to announce an electoral law that will allow new parties to form and register to contest in the election. The international community, led by the UN, has repeatedly demanded that the election be inclusive, free and fair.

In a recent announcement, the NLD set conditions for its participation in the 2010 general election. It requested an amendment of any provisions in the 2008 constitution “not in accord with democratic principles” and an all-inclusive free and fair poll under international supervision.

Rights groups have also said that the regime must release all political prisoners, including NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, if it wants the elections to be regarded as legitimate. About 2,100 political prisoners are languishing in prisons across the country.

In his speech, Than Shwe said that some powerful countries are using many ways to pressure and influence Burma under various pretexts.

“However, the Tatmadaw [armed forces] government does not get frightened whenever intimidated and will continue to work relentlessly for a better future of the State and the people by overcoming any difficulties,” he said.