People in Mon and Karen State staged anti-election demonstrations on October 31 and November 1 in border areas of the two states. The general elections in Burma are slated for November 7.

Over 200 people from five villages in Kyar Inn Seik Gyi township staged anti-election demonstrations on November 1 morning. They held up placards reading “we don’t want the election’. The peaceful demonstration lasted an hour.

“Over 200 villagers including village headmen from five villages took  part in the peaceful anti-election demonstrations from 9 am to 10 am. The placards read “ We don’t want unfair 2010 election”, “we have the right to vote”, “to establish a genuine union”, “to hold genuine elections”. The idea was to show they don’t want the 2010 election,” Saw Tar Pasel, the leader of the anti-election campaign, said.

The demonstration occurred between Thulay Kon and Ta Khar Chaung village two miles from IB 284. Villagers from Thulay Kon, Ta Khar Khi, Ta Khar Cuang, Milaung Chaung, Ta Kay and Kyar Inn village took part in the demonstration.

On October 31, over 500 locals from 10 villages took part in the anti-election campaign between Yay and Thanbyuzayat township in Mon State. Demonstrators held aloft placards and posters and the demonstration was from 7 am to 9:30 am, a campaign leader, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.

The placards said “Against the 2010 election, “To hold tripartite dialogue” “To have democracy” and “To fight dictatorship”. The demonstration was peaceful.

The two demonstrations took place far from the Burmese Army bases so there was no disruption. After the demonstrations, soldiers arrived at the site forcing some demonstrators to flee to the liberated area.

On October 22, ‘anti 2010 election pamphlets’ were distributed in schools, hospitals, some villages and government’s civil department offices in Kyar Inn Seik Gyi township.