Media release

1 May 2008

Burma: Constitutional referendum

On 29 and 30 April, the Burmese Embassy in Canberra conducted voting for certain Burmese citizens ahead of the constitutional referendum in Burma on 10 May. 

Regrettably, this process does not signal any intention by the Burmese regime to listen to the will of the Burmese people on their future. 

The proposed constitution is deeply flawed and intended only to entrench the military's grip on power.  It was drafted without any genuine involvement of opposition groups, including the National League for Democracy, and Burma's ethnic minorities. 

The regime's lack of good faith is clear as criticism of the referendum or the constitution is illegal in Burma.

Australia has consistently called for the full and free participation of all political players in Burma in a political reform process supported by the international community.

I fully understand the frustration of the Burmese community in Australia at the failings in current processes, including the frustration of those Burmese community members living outside of Canberra.

I call again on the Burmese regime to engage in a genuine process of political reform and national reconciliation, not a sham ‘roadmap to democracy'.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555