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Cyclone Could Weaken Junta's Grip

Upcoming vote could challenge government

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 8, 2008 9:35 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The devastation of cyclone Nargis could spur stronger opposition to Burma’s ruling junta, the Christian Science Monitor reports. “It could be quite catalytic, like the [2004] tsunami in Aceh,” says a regional aid director. The government, reluctant to allow outside aid, has struggled to cope with the disaster, and Saturday’s constitutional referendum may be an opportunity for Burmese to retaliate.

Citizens could vote “no,” sending a powerful message to a government facing growing resentment over its handling of the disaster. While soldiers are working for relief in wealthy areas of Rangoon, the New York Times notes, poor areas have seen “no soldiers at all,” said a resident. On the other hand, analysts note, this is a government that held out against widespread protests last year; a storm may not sway it.

A Thai soldier pulls a cart loaded with supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone in Burma at a warehouse near the military airport in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
A Thai soldier pulls a cart loaded with supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone in Burma at a warehouse near the military airport in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday, May 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
In this photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma, a damaged automobile sits near fallen trees Tuesday, May 6, 2008, following cyclone Nargis.
In this photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma, a damaged automobile sits near fallen trees Tuesday, May 6, 2008, following cyclone Nargis.   (AP Photo/Democratic Voice of Burma, HO)
Burmese men work to salvage a steel roof from the mud in Rangoon on Thursday, May 8, 2008.
Burmese men work to salvage a steel roof from the mud in Rangoon on Thursday, May 8, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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UN relief begins
New York Times

Burma still says no to US planes
Reuters

 
cyclone • Myanmar • Burma • junta • referendum • disaster recovery • Cyclone Nargis

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