Week 30: 2010 Election Watch (28 September – 4 October)

Developments

• The SPDC Election Commission rejected the Difference and Peace Party’s transcript for its TV and radio campaign message. It also censored the campaign messages of the All Mon Region Democracy Party, the Chin National Party, and the Shan Nationals Democratic Party […]

23 – 29 August: The Emperor’s New Clothes?

In the latest of the recent series of resignations in the military, reports emerged on Friday that six top military officials resigned from their military posts, possibly including Senior General Than Shwe and his deputy, General Maung Aye. The reports have yet to be confirmed. However, if accurate, Than Shwe would remain the head of state until the end of the 2011 financial year, at which point he is expected to hand over power to the incoming elected government.[…]

The Emperor’s New Clothes?

In the latest of a series of resignations in the military, reports emerged on Friday that eight top military officials resigned from their military posts, possibly including Senior General Than Shwe and his deputy, General Maung Aye. The reports have yet to be confirmed. However, if accurate, Than Shwe would remain the head of state until the end of the 2011 financial year, at which point he is expected to hand over power to the incoming elected government […]

“Democracy” in Burma Exemplified by USDP’s Manipulative Electioneering

As Burma moves closer to still unannounced election date, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is moving ahead in full force with its electioneering efforts across the country. Reports of election canvassing and vote buying arose well in advance of party registration, but USDP’s registration approval has allowed for even more extensive electioneering throughout ethnic areas.[…]