Mizzima News

New Delhi – The Burmese military junta authorities are hoodwinking and misleading people into supporting the draft constitution during the referendum on May 10. In Chin state, northwest of Burma, it is urging people to vote 'Yes' in the referendum 'if they want democracy in the country,' local residents said.

Authorities in Chin state, led by Brigadier General Hung Ngai, Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council, have been pulling a fast one on locals by explaining that voting in favour of the constitution is the only way to put an end to decades of military rule and for the restoration of democracy.

"In Chin state most people, despite their ignorance, are against the military and would definitely vote against the draft constitution. So, it is possible that the authorities want to twist the campaign slogan," said Myo Min Aung, Editor of the Khonumthung News Group, who specialises in covering issues in Chin State.

Myo Min Aung added that authorities in several Chin villages and towns have conducted demonstrations on how the people should cast their votes by telling them that ticking or writing 'Yes' is the correct way of voting.

Despite the junta's vigorous campaign efforts, several people in Hakha, capital of Chin state, voted 'No' in a mock-referendum conducted by authorities on April 10, a local resident in Hakha said.

On April 10, authorities led by Hung Ngai conducted a mock-referendum, where authorities called about 150 people to vote.

Pu Van Lian, chairman of Burma's opposition party – the National League for Democracy in Chin State said, "I was told by one of the township officials, who participated in the vote counting, that when they counted the results, they found 'No' votes surpassing 'Yes' ballots".

In its aftermath, authorities started to accelerate the campaign with Hung Ngai personally going to towns and villages in southern Chin state including Matupi, Mindat and Kanpalet Townships, added Pu Van Lian.