Myanmar generals put themselves back into power

Bombay News.Net
Monday 26th May, 2008

Myanmar has released the details of the second round of voting in regions hit by Cyclone Nargis.

The government has declared victory for a military-backed constitution after 93 per cent of the cyclone-zone population allegedly turned out for the poll.

State media has said 92.93 per cent endorsed the charter.

Balloting was held on the weekend in regions where 2.4 million people are still desperate for emergency food, shelter and medicine.

A first round of voting had been held on May 10 in regions spared by the storm with similar figures being announced.

Myanmar ignored international calls to delay the referendum and decided to hold the voting as UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon was pressing the regime to accept a full-scale cyclone relief effort

The poll was also held on the eve of an international donor conference that raised tens of millions of dollars for cyclone aid.

It is believed that with the results now revealed, the Myanmar regime will extend the house arrest of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been locked away for almost 18 years.

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