Burma ends one day of democracy, closes polling stations

Mizzima News

Saturday, 10 May 2008 17:33

New Delhi – When the clock struck four this afternoon, polling stations closed and military-ruled Burma's one-day democracy came to an end. "The station officers have begun counting the votes and have divided them between the 'Yes' and 'No' votes," a local resident, who is closely monitoring the polling in Kachin State's Washaung village, said. The local villager said he saw an officer taking a bag of ballots, believed to be 'No' votes, and left the station. "I have my people inside, who keep me informed," said the villager, adding that there were only six people when the station commission divided up the ballots. He said he is unaware of where the ballots might be taken. He added that several voters came after the voting station closed and were unable to cast their votes. The local villager said the officials did not say when results would be announced. However, in Winemaw, another town in Kachin state, a local said the polling station officers had begun counting the votes in front of people. "There are many people in the station, and the officers are counting. I think we will know the results soon," the local added. Polling stations in other parts of the country have also closed, although it is unclear when overall results will be announced. < Prev   Next >