Junta sets referendum date on May 10

Junta sets referendum date on May 10
by -
Maungpi
New Delhi – The contentious referendum on the draft constitution will be held on May 10, the Burmese military junta announced today.
New Delhi – The contentious referendum on the draft constitution will be held on May 10, the Burmese military junta announced today.

The announcement was read out on Wednesday evening on the junta owned Myawaddy Television.

The announcement was made in accordance with the junta's referendum law, which stated that the date for the referendum would be announced 21 days ahead.

The Burmese junta in February announced that it will hold a referendum for approval of the draft constitution in May and general elections in 2010.

Setting a date for the referendum is the second time that the ruling junta has provided dates for its planned 'Roadmap to Democracy'.

While the junta claims that the approval of the constitution by way of the referendum will bring in reforms in the country's political situation by allowing a civilian government to take over, several activist groups inside the country including Burma's main opposition party – the National League for Democracy – have urged the people to reject the constitution by casting 'No' votes.

Opposition groups along with western critics feel approving the constitution will only cement and legitimize military rule in Burma, which has been plagued with military dictatorship since 1962.