Shan Artists banded to uncover Burma’s Sham 2010 Elections
18 October 2010 – Chiang Mai, Thailand: More than 30 well-known Shan artists and activists teamed up with Thai border-based community groups in producing a new VCD, exposing the truth about Burma’s SPDC-controlled 2010 Elections and possible post-election impacts on the people.
The Shan language VCD, which was yesterday officially launched in Chiang Mai, Thailand, features Shan artists singing modern and traditional songs, illustrated with striking video images and cartoons. It also includes interviews with Shan activists on issues such as the 2008 constitution, human rights, drugs, development and education with all showing how the regime’s sham elections will bring no improvements to Shan State.
Nang Hseng Moon of the Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) told Chinland Guardian: “The launch was successfully held yesterday here in Chiang Mai, with a good turn-out. In drafting the 2008 constitution and preparing the 2010 elections, the SPDC has been going one-sided, ignoring the voices of the people. The purpose of the VCD is to educate and inform the local people and community of the 2010 elections so that they can properly understand the truth about the election and how it will affect their lives in the post-election periods.”
In a statement released yesterday by Shan community-based organisations, the success of the VCD has been ascribed to a generous contribution of famous singer Sa-ka-ha of the music band, Freedom’s Way, who composed and sang the theme song ‘Choice for 2010’.
“The whole idea for the VCD came from local communities. There’s a strong culture of resistance through song in Shan State,” said Sa-ka-ha, whose name means ‘pungent’, according to the statement.
The statement also said Shan communities rely largely on VCDs for entertainment in their mother tongue, with Burmese as the official language in Burma.
A thousand copies of the VCD have been distributed in Shan State since early September, with many more reproduced clandestinely by local community networks.
The content of the VCD is made available online for viewing on Youtube at Shan Communities oppose 2010 election in Burma Part 1 to 14.
Van Biak Thang
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