Burmese Community and Supporters hold "People's Elections"
- India-based Burmese democracy activists -

New Delhi, 27 May 2010

BURMESE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTERS HOLD "PEOPLE'S ELECTIONS"
Voters Demand Real Elections, Not a Military Selection

India-based Burmese democracy activists held a demonstration and people's election, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi today. Starting from 22 May till today, over 3,600 members of the Burmese community residing in India signed postcards, voting for country's pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and in support of a democratic Federal Union. The signed postcards call on the Prime Minister of the Government of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh to denounce the upcoming 2010 elections in Burma and reject the results unless the Burmese regime changes the course.

"It is already clear that the military's elections this year will not be a step forward that Burma needs. The NLD and many ethnic groups have already decided that they cannot participate in such sham elections. Indian government should stand with them and the people of Burma in demanding genuine democratic elections, rather than supporting the military's sham elections," said Dr. Tint Swe, MP elect in 1990 elections from National League for Democracy (NLD).

Today is the 20th anniversary of the 1990 elections in Burma, when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD won a landslide victory with over 80% of votes. The military regime quickly refused to recognize the results, and has continued its repressive rule to this day.

The demonstrators today also set on fire the effigy of Senior General Than Shwe, head of the ruling military regime of Burma by showing their anger against his brutal oppression on the people in the country.

Events are being held today through to 30 May in at least 20 countries around the world including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, US, Canada, and Brazil, marking a "Global Day of Action" as part of the Global Campaign Against Burma's 2010 Military Elections.

Campaign groups around the world are mobilizing on this day in support of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and other democratic and ethnic opposition parties who have all taken a strong stance against the regime's undemocratic elections plans. For details on the events around the world, please visit the
http://burmapartnership.org/2010elections/

"The 'success' of the regime's sham elections will depend on the legitimacy lent by the international community. It is more important than ever that the Indian government sends a strong message to the regime, by denouncing the military elections, unless the regime meets minimum benchmarks, including the release of all political prisoners, end to attacks against ethnic groups, inclusive dialogue and constitutional review," said Ms. Thin Thin Aung, Presidium Board member of the Women's League of Burma.

The postcard calling for real elections is available to sign online http://burmapartnership.org/2010elections/postcard/ . Signed postcards will be gathered until Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday on 19 June, when the People's Election results will be announced and the postcards delivered to governments around the world.

The Global Campaign Against Burma's 2010 Military Elections was initiated by the Ten Alliances of Burma's democracy and ethnic rights movement, representing the most broad-based and multi-ethnic cooperation of political and civil society organizations from inside and in exile working for national reconciliation, peace, and freedom in Burma. The Campaign is endorsed by over 150 organizations around the world.

For more information:
Contact: Mr.Kim at +91- 9810476273
and/
Ms. Thin Thin Aung at +91- 9891252316

Download/Browse the memorandum submitted to PM of India here (PDF - 25 KB )

Browse a Photo Gallery on this protest event here