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Vote to Nowhere: The May 2008 Constitutional Referendum in Burma

Vote to Nowhere

The May 2008 Constitutional Referendum in Burma

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Chronology of Burma's Constitutional Process

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More on Human Rights Watch's work on Burma

Map of Burma

I. Summary and Recommendations

Recommendations to Concerned Governments

Methodology

II. Political Process 1962 – 2008

The First Rigged Referendum – 1973

The 1988 Student Unrests and the Army Massacres

The Stolen 1990 Elections: SLORC Overturns the NLD’s Election Victory

The National Convention: 14 Years of “Guided” Constitution-Writing

The “Seven Step Roadmap to Democracy”

Constitution Drafting and the Renewed “Path to Democracy”

III. Impossible Conditions for a Free and Fair Referendum

Lack of Information about the Constitution

Lack of Media Freedoms

Restrictions on Freedom of Expression, Assembly, and Association

Freedom of expression

Freedom of association and assembly

Continued Widespread Detention of Political Activists

Lack of Independent Monitoring Structures, and SPDC Control over the Organs of State

IV. A Constitution for Military Dominance

The Entrenchment of Military Power

The Barring of Opposition Members from Elected Offices

Provisions on the “Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens”

V. International Response to the Referendum

Appendix I: Glossary

Acknowledgements

May 2008 ISBN: 1-56432-314-5

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