No press freedom for Myanmar constitution vote: RSF

Seng Yang/Human Rights/April 28, 2008/12:27am

No press freedom for Myanmar constitution vote: RSF

“Myanmar's junta has barred domestic media from reporting on opposition to next month's referendum on a new constitution. RSF and the Burma Media Association said they were "outraged" by the methods used by the junta to prevent reporting on opposition to the charter, which pro-democracy activists say will allow the generals to entrench their rule.”

"The military government is stopping at nothing to rig a referendum that looks as though it is going to be a sham rather than a free and transparent election," the two organizations said in a joint statement.

"The supporters of a 'No' vote must be able to express themselves freely in the media, and journalists must be allowed to report all viewpoints."

They said no Myanmar media had been allowed to publish the views of supporters of a "No" vote in the May 10 referendum.

RSF also called on the authorities "to let the press do its work without prior censorship and to allow foreign reporters to visit Burma freely. This is a condition for the international community's recognition of the validity of this election."

The generals say the referendum will pave the way for democratic elections in 2010, but analysts say the constitution enshrines the role of the military which has ruled since 1962 and leaves political parties with little room to campaign.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hyPj-pIK3WkRgxkdbOqBWFlpN8Fg