Despite somewhat undue concern shown by local military authorities in winning  votes from the people in each of their constituencies, the ruling generals have already given themselves as much leeway as possible to come out on top again in tomorrow's constitutional referendum, according to an informed source returning from Shan State South.
 
For one thing, he pointed out, the draft charter's Article 441 stipulates that it would be ratified by a simple majority from votes cast by over 50 per cent  of eligible votes. "According to the township referendum commissioner whom I have talked to before I left," he recalled, "there are a little over 30 million eligible voters in the whole country. Which means if over 15 million people show up tomorrow, the referendum will be valid. Which also means that if a little over 7.5 million vote in favour, the draft will be approved."

 Cyclone Nargis that was believed to have killed over 100,000 people and made millions homeless on May 2 and 3 has only helped to reduce the odds. "Now they need a lesser number of people to support the draft," he said.
 
So far the Referendum Convening Commission, set up on February 26, has yet to announce the total number of eligible voters in the whole country. "That gives them another edge," he quipped.
 
"I'm sure," he added, "if the voters have their own way, they are going to vote 'No'. Even the township immigration officer (who is responsible for issuing household registers and ID cards) told me that was exactly what he is going to do tomorrow."
 
In Namkham Township, Shan State North, a police officer was reported ignoring the order from the township chief to take into custody a local village official who had voted 'No' at the advance polling session yesterday. Police Captain Hla Win was quoted as telling U Tin Hlaing, the township peace and development council (TPDC) chairman, "According to the referendum law, he (the offender) hasn't done anything wrong. If he has to be arrested, it must be on your own responsibility."