"The Military regime is preparing for an election which will not be free and fair", a retired school teacher who lives in Yangon said.

“Even though the military regime uses the words 'free and fair election', it will do exactly what it likes, just as it did during the referendum for the 2008 constitution."

After the 2008 constitution was unilaterally drafted by the military regime, they forcibly held a referendum on it in the wake of the suffering caused by cyclone Nargis, which devastated Burma’s Irrawaddy Delta. The constitution was successfully approved by 92.95 % of supporting votes.

"We are systematically implementing for a free and fair election in accordance with the constitution, which was approved by the people. Therefore, the entire people of the nation have to make 'correct choice' in the upcoming election in 2010," military regime leader, Sr. Gen. Than Shwe, said on Jan 4 on the 62nd anniversary of Burmese independence from Britain.

The junta says the election is the fifth step of its seven step “Road Map to Democracy”.

Election laws and registration laws for political parties have not been announced yet. Also, the election date has not been officially declared.

However, on January 7th, the Japanese newspaper, Asahi Shimbun, quoted a government official as indicating the election will be held on October 10. Registration laws for parties and regulations for holding the election will be announced in April.

But, as the election gets closer Burmese people are facing a shortage of electricity, rising prices for basic goods and other economic hardships in their daily life.

Low ranking government staff, living near Yangon, have struggled to pay for healthcare, rent, education and rising costs for basic goods including rice and cooking oil.

"Only politicians and activists are interested in the coming election. We are worried about what to eat in tomorrow and how to send our children to school," a housewife, who lives in Insein township, Yangon, said.

"Why do we need to hold an election? I don't understand. I only know that if I work today, I will have food for tomorrow," Ma Kyin Thein (not her real name), a worker living in Pha-an township in Karen state, said.

After Burma achieved independence from Britain, in 1948, the country became a democracy and held elections. However, the democratic system in Burma ended after a military coup in 1962.

The military regime held an election in 1990, but, failed to transfer power to the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won the election. The military has detained Burma's democracy icon, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest for 14 years out of 20 years.

The army promised, in 1988, that it would go back to its barracks after an election was held, but, the regime has continued its grip on power.

Democratic opposition groups from inside and outside Burma have strongly criticized the government, suggesting the upcoming election will be held to arrange approval for the military regime’s unilaterally designed constitution.

Democratic opposition groups are urging that the constitution be revised.

"It's no surprise that people don't believe the ruling military regime. Urban people know well about their actions. Even though we express our real wishes, nothing is going to happen," the school teacher said.

"There will be no changes," she reflected.

A person close to military circles in Pha-an, Karen State, said she won't vote for the current military regime if she is free to vote in the upcoming election.

“My aunt has to follow the wishes of high ranking officials. If I have a chance to decide for myself, I won't select the current military regime. I want to live in peace,” she said.

The Burmese people have lost their basic human rights. Freedom of expression is banned. It is doubtful people will be free to vote for their chosen party and candidates in this upcoming election.