Despite deep seated opposition to the military regime, a majority of Rangoon's civil servants said they have to vote in favour of the draft constitution of the junta.

Many civil servants have voted in advance in support of the constitution afraid  of losing their jobs, said a government bank staff Daw Ngwe Win.

"I live in the country. If I don't want problems, I have to support the constitution" she said.

The referendum is slated to be held on May 24 in Rangoon and Irrawaddy divisions, where Cyclone Nargis has affected over 2.5 million people.

"According to the authorities, the regime is already on its way to democracy. The government will also offer free education for elementary students," said a teacher, Daw Tin Htar.  "They said if you support the constitution then the country will benefit," she added.  

"We have not seen the draft constitution," said a civil servant.  I do not want to vote because if I do, I would have to vote 'yes', because I'm a civil servant," said Daw Ngwe Win.

The State media claimed there was a turnout of over 99 percent eligible voters, of whom 92 percent voted in support of the constitution. The announcement was made much before Rangoon and Irrawaddy division were to vote.

According to the Myanmar Times journal, there are over four million eligible voters and 2,500 polling stations in Rangoon.