The United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) in Burma today urged the people to reveal their real desire in the forthcoming constitutional referendum if they wanted change in Burma's political situation.

UNA comprising 12 ethnic political parties said in a statement released today that the constitution was not drafted by elected people's representatives. It was designed and drafted so that the Burma Army could control power at the Centre but not democratically. Therefore the people need to vote to change Burma ad steer it on the right course.

The statement also urged the people to go to the polling station and cast votes. If they abstain they would face more difficulties in the future.

"Our future depends on the referendum and we have to cast the 'No' vote without fear as part of our responsibilities" said Duwa Bawm Lang, Chairman of the Kachin State National Congress for Democracy (KNCD) in Myitkyina the capital of Kachin State, Northern Burma.

"If we support the draft constitution, it will be like gripping our throat by ourselves. There will be no chance and expectations will be belied for the ethnic groups," he added.

KNCD is a member of the UNA and the party won three seats in Kachin State in the 1990 general elections.

The statement also noted that according to the Referendum Law, the ballot will be counted in front of at least 10 voters as witnesses. Therefore, the UNA urged the people to watch from the beginning till the end of the counting of ballots.