Burmese overseas and organizations in solidarity with them are protesting against today’s general election.

Burmese living in the United Kingdom (UK), New Delhi-India and Canada have been protesting against, what some critics have called a “sham election”, with the help of human rights activists and solidarity groups since early November.

In New Delhi hundreds of Burmese people demonstrated against the election at the Jantar Mantar on November 3, and urged the international community to reject the outcome of the election.

“It is unacceptable. The election is neither free nor fair and the international community must oppose it,” said a New Delhi based activist.

Critics say the military junta has taken steps to ensure victory in this election.

The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by a former top military officer, campaigned unhampered by the government controlled Election Commission, which placed unmanageable restrictions on the opposition parties.

In Kachin State, the USDP collected advance votes for the party from the elderly and jade miners in Hpakant, also known as the Jade Land.

Protests by hundreds of Burmese in the UK started on November 5, in front of the Burmese Embassy in London.

The UK based, Kachin National Organization (KNO), drew attention to the difference between living in a democracy and a military dictatorship, because they have freedom of movement and freedom of expression and can demonstrate without fear in the UK.

“Here we can demonstrate freely. However, in our own country we cannot even distribute pamphlets for the election campaign,” the KNO said.

The Burmese community in Canada and its supporters staged protests in Ottawa, Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Calgary on November 6.  A speech to raise awareness on Burma is planned at the Brock University on November 9.

Activists in Canada urged the international community to, “Protest the sham elections in Burma.”

In Kachin State, a second protest against the election was held by citizen activists this week. They distributed pamphlets and put up posters and stickers around Myitkyina, the capital.