About the Campaign

After almost five decades of military rule, the people of Burma want real, democratic, people’s elections. It is now clear, however, that the military regime’s first elections in twenty years will be nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize military rule. Now that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and other opposition parties inside Burma have determined they cannot participate in these flawed elections, it is more important than ever that those outside of Burma raise their voices in support.

The ‘success’ of the regime’s sham elections will depend on cooperation and the legitimacy lent by Burma’s neighbors and friends. This is why the Global Campaign Against Burma’s 2010 Military Elections, calls on international governments to denounce these military elections and refuse to recognize the results unless the junta changes course and meets the minimum benchmarks

The leaders of the campaign, the Ten Alliances of Burma’s democracy and ethnic rights movement, represent 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 Against Burma’s 2010 Military Elections was launched on 19 March in Bangkok, with the support of over 150 groups from all over the world.

Our Position on the Elections

The Ten Alliances of Burma’s democracy and ethnic rights movement have continued to push for solutions—key benchmarks that the junta must meet to ensure truly democratic progress in Burma, without which these elections will not be a step forward. They include:

1. The unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;
2. Cessation of hostilities against ethnic groups and pro-democracy forces; and,
3. Inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders from democracy groups and ethnic nationalities, including a review of the 2008 Constitution.

Without meeting these minimum benchmarks, the 2010 elections will only serve to solidify the junta’s rule over the people of Burma and sow the seeds for further instability and conflict.

The regime’s new election laws, which ban the most viable leaders of Burma’s democratic and ethnic opposition, are a clear signal of its disregard for the movement’s benchmarks, as well as global calls for free, fair, and inclusive elections. This is why Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy and other major democratic and ethnic parties have taken the difficult but courageous stand not to participate in this flawed process.

Our Calls to the International Community

We call on the international community to denounce these military elections and refuse to recognize the results unless the junta changes course and meets the minimum benchmarks. Global governments can no longer afford to take a “wait-and-see” approach as to whether the regime will meet its promises for “free and fair” elections. Governments must apply pressure on the regime for there to be any substantive changes.

We also call for a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma, as supported by the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Burma. The time for investigation is now, as more human rights violations are being committed by the regime in the lead up to the elections. These violations are likely to continue and even worsen following the elections, which will enact the 2008 Constitution, guaranteeing the regime immunity for past and future crimes.

Why a Global Campaign?

We know that peaceful and democratic change will only come from inside Burma, and we continue to see an incredible range of resistance from all communities—from villagers refusing to cooperate with increased military presence in their communities to urban students distributing pro-democracy leaflets at great personal risk. They are working towards change through any and all means with the little political space available.

Despite the people’s sincere desire for democratic elections, the regime’s intentions are clear: these elections are not aimed at resolving Burma’s crises or responding to the needs of the people, but are being undertaken to increase the junta’s credibility internationally. The ‘success’ of the regime’s elections will depend on the cooperation and the legitimacy lent by Burma’s neighbors and friends. The international community can therefore play a unique role, supporting efforts inside, to push the regime to make substantive and positive change towards genuine democracy for Burma.