Statement on 22nd Anniversary of 88 Democracy Uprising

By Women's League of Burma • August 8, 2010

Today we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the historic events of 8th September 1988, when monks, students and people from all walks of life in Burma fought to bring an end to the military dictatorship. The spirit of ‘88 is still with us, and we will never cease to fight for democracy, national equality and the end of dictatorship.

Rather than resolving the country’s problems, the military regime has failed to fulfill people’s desires. The military is preparing to hold an election in 2010, which will officially endorse a constitution written in 2008 by the one-sided military junta. At the same time, the junta continues to keep democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest, and has systematically sentenced ethnic leaders, monks, 88-generation student leaders and many other political dissidents to long-term imprisonment. Today we have about 2100 political prisoners in Burma, ensuring that the military keeps its tight grip on power.

The military government is putting intense pressure on ethnic ceasefire groups, demanding that they transform into government border guard forces in ethnic areas. In fact, the junta has increased military activities in ethnic areas. As a result, civilians living in areas affected by war are fleeing to border areas. Rather than resolving political conflict through political means, the military regime aims for its own citizens to suffer more in an already desolate situation.

The junta has claimed to the people and the international community that the planned 2010 election will be free and fair. But by looking closely at the election laws and examining the constitution, it is clear that the planned election are aimed at suppressing dissent, increasing the military’s grip on power, whilst advocating ‘a peaceful road to democracy’ to the outside world. The election will not bring democratic progress to the country, simply because what people will be able to vote on is undemocratic in itself. It is therefore likely that the elections are merely a ploy serving to polish the military’s ‘image’ internationally, as well as increasing its power inside. The junta is using political tricks to lie to the Burmese people and the international community.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind the international community of the 8888 spirit of justice, equality and genuine democracy.

View the statement in Burmese and Thai

For more information, please contact:

Tin Tin Nyo – 0810322882

Aung Naing Soe – 0894605746

Tin Tin New – 0878499332

Tags: 8888 Anniversary, Women's League of Burma

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Statement on 22nd Anniversary of 88 Democracy Uprising

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