Myanmar Junta Claims Win on Constitution

Anti-government groups enraged by timing of announcement

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 15, 2008 7:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Burmese voters overwhelmingly approved a constitution legitimizing military rule, the junta announced to widespread skepticism today. The vote held Saturday did not include two cyclone-ravaged areas where aid to victims is still largely being blocked by the government, but state media said those votes couldn't change the outcome. Turnout elsewhere was pegged at 99%, with 92.4% voting yes.

“This is really insulting to the people of Burma,” said a Human Rights Watch spokesman. The group believes the announcement was timed to distract from the disastrous relief effort. “You would have thought with how busy they were in cleaning up the cyclone that they never would have had time to count this properly,” he said. Local journalists report that rampant voter intimidation and general fear of the military likely suppressed many “no” votes.

A Myanmar boy walks past a cyclone-damaged restaurant on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday, May 15, 2008. (AP Photo)

A Myanmar man holds his ballot to vote on a constitutional referendum at a polling station in Hlegu, 30 miles north of Yangon, Myanmar, on Saturday May 10, 2008. (AP Photo)

Demonstrator look on during an anti-Myanmar government rally Saturday, May 10, 2008, outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo)

Demonstrators shout slogans during an anti Myanmar government rally Saturday, May 10, 2008, outside the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)

Victims of Cyclone Nargis rest inside a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday, May 15, 2008. (AP Photo)

In this photo released by World Vision, Myanmar people queue up for rice at a rice distribution center for cyclone Nargis victims in Yangon, Myanmar Tuesday, May 13, 2008. (AP Photo/World Vision, HO)

In this photo released by World Vision, Myanmar villagers sleep at a Buddhist temple used as a shelter for victims of cyclone Nargis in Yangon, Myanmar Tuesday, May 13, 2008. (AP Photo/World Vision, HO)

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Anti-government groups enraged by timing of announcement

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Junta ignores calls to delay vote and focus on helping cyclone victims

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Burma Arrests Activist Linked to Cyclone Aid

Dissident comedian Zarganar taken away by secret police

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Burma Votes Amid Cyclone Chaos

Junta ignores calls to delay vote and focus on helping cyclone victims

Cyclone Could Weaken Junta's Grip

Upcoming vote could challenge government

Burma Aid Delays Less Deadly Than Feared

Villagers tough it out through cyclone's aftermath

Burma Arrests Activist Linked to Cyclone Aid

Dissident comedian Zarganar taken away by secret police

Gates: Junta Aid Delays Killed Thousands

Defense Secretary slams 'deaf and dumb' Burmese rulers

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