Prayer Called for Burma as Election Date Draws Closer

17 August, 2010: A UK-based campaign group launched an international prayer call for Burma in the run-up to the country’s election, which will take place on 7 November 2010.

A report released yesterday by the Change for Burma! said the voice of the international community would be heard and a real change for the people of Burma be seen.

Speaking on the elections, CSW’s East Asia Team Leader commented: “These fake elections represent nothing more than an opportunity for Than Shwe and his regime to entrench their rule, and offer no prospect of real meaningful change. It will be nothing more than a change of clothing, from military uniforms to civilian suits, without any meaningful change of policy, personnel or government.”

Following the recent announcement of the election date, the poll is the first since pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in 1990.

Based on the new constitution confirmed in a referendum in 2008, the new constitution provides immunity for the military’s crimes, guarantees the military 25% of the parliamentary seats, and offers the ethnic nationalities no hope of protection for human rights, according to the report.

Sarah Armitage, UK National Director for Partners Relief and Development said: “For the ethnic people in Burma, the upcoming sham elections have meant only greater fear and suffering as the regime do all they can to ensure that power remains in their hands. Increased military attacks over recent months have left thousands of civilians homeless and struggling for survival. So many of those we help will be encouraged to know that they do not stand alone, but have over 5000 friends in the UK standing with them.”

Next month, the Change for Burma! team will be delivering to the British FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) a petition signed by a total of 5,323 who stand together with one voice in support for the people of Burma and for the international community to take action to end the suffering of the people.

Change for Burma! is a joint campaign by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Partners Relief and Development UK, aiming to bring long-lasting change to Burma and to see freedom and justice restored to the people of Burma.

Van Biak Thang
[email protected]