Leaflets distributed in Rangoon condemning 2010 polls

New Delhi (Mizzima) – In the first signs of blatant dissent towards the 2010 general elections, leaflets were secretly distributed condemning both the polls and the 2008 Constitution in crowded places in Rangoon.

The distribution of leaflets among the people at busy road intersections and bus stops in some townships in Rangoon has come as a surprise.

"These places usually boast advertisement leaflets for tuitions and beauty parlours. People found the portrait of Bogyoke (General) Aung San, independence architect on the top of the leaflet. Two people distributed the leaflets and vanished. Some people tore them after reading, possibly because they were afraid," a man waiting at bus stop in Pansodan township said.

There were similar distributions in Mingala market, Yuzana Plaza and Kyaukmyaung market bus stop in Tamwe Township yesterday morning.

"Young activists have been into such kind of activities since February. Distributing triple folded leaflets cannot be done like selling newspapers and journals so they have to do it in busy places stealthily," Thai based Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) General Secretary Dr. Naing Aung said.

Similar leaflet distributions were made since last month by young activists in Burma in Arakan State, Mandalay, Sagaing and Pegu Divisions besides Rangoon, he added.

FDB comprises some students, youth and political organizations.

The 9-point leaflet says the 2008 Constitution is not for a federal union but for a unitary state only. The other points highlight the 10 dangers in the constitution where it allows the army to legitimize its rule post 2010 polls.

The 10-dangers include that a military coup can take place at any time if vital issues cannot be decided by Parliament.

The junta announced its electoral laws for 2010 elections unilaterally drafted by it, since the second week of this month by issuing the 'Union Election Commission Law' as the first of the series.

Other electoral laws are Political Parties Registration Law, Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) Election Law, Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) Election Law, Region and State Election Law and Rule of Political Parties Registration Law.

The harsh provisions in the Political Parties Registration Law, bar "those serving prison sentence" that target detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners from contesting the election.

Source :http://mizzima.com/news/election-2010/3686-leaflets-distributed-in-rangoon-condemning-2010-polls-.html