The Wire

Burmese citizens will vote in a referendum on May 10th to gage support for changes to the country’s constitution. The proposed amendments are in response to the international condemnation of the brutal Burmese military crack down on protests in late 2007. The military, in power since failed democratic elections in 1990, say the changes will allow for a multi-party platform. “Australian Campaign for Burma” however, say that the referendum is a farce, and that the constitution will enshrine military power in Burma. They also argue that Burmese citizens within Australia are being denied access to the vote.