Burma 2010 election: Than Shwe Version of Free and Fair Election (or) 4 cheats strategy

Burma - 2010 Election: Bo Than Shwe Version of Free Fair Election (or) 4 cheats strategy

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"Dogs of the same street bark alike." It is an English proverb which means "People from the same background have the same behaviour." Saw Maung, previous coup leader in 1988 said "We promise you that free and fair general elections would be held as soon as peace and tranquility is restored in the country". Incontestably, 1990 elections were recognized as free and fair elections by international community. Then, Saw Maung disclosed we would transfer power immmediately to winning party. But he didn't do it because election results were not like what they had forecasted. Though he failed to transfer power, he was a lot more transparent dictator compared to Than Shwe, current chief dictator in Burma.

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Now the word "free and fair elections will be held in Burma" is used by Bo Than Shwe again in the end of USDA conference. He also included the word "Elections will be systematically held in 2010 in line with 2008 constitution" when he addressed at War veterans organization last month. If we observe carefully about present situation in Burma, it is undeniable that election in 2010 is not the main priority. Reconciliation process or revising 2008 constitution will be the right way towards democracy in Burma if it is sincere attitude for the people of Burma. Then we all can coordinate for a standard election in 2010 or near future etc. However it is unlikely to happened what it is that should be done in Burma right now. In connection with this, Bo Than Shwe is unmasking himself as cheater because he hasn't even mentioned when election will be held and electoral law will be announced ahead of 2010 elections.

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Than Shwe's 4 cheats strategy

(1) cheat to the whole country

Banning things like internet, listening and watching to the media broadcasted by outside the country are designed to make the people believe in what they say. Though reality are not allowed to publish in their own newspapers, what Than Shwe says "Free and fair elections will be held" has been printed on the head line. Even Burmese people did not receive precaution before cyclone nargis hit dalta area.

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(2) cheat to his colleagues

The only phrase all the dictators in Burma use at all time is "western countries are still attempting to colonize Burma". Therefore we must be strong and protect our country from destructive elements. But the reality is that a lot of dissident military personnel have to be quiet because of factionalism. It is also a kind of brutalization between military personnel. For example, if we look at how Saw Maung was deposed as well as how Khin Nyunt and its intelligent network were ousted by another rival group, we can confirm that military personnel who want democratication process in Burma have to keep quiet.

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(3) cheat to international community

Regualr and routine job that a handful dictators have to do is, disseminating lies to the world in accordant with existing political climate. For example, it can be witnessed in recent episode of freeing prisoners in Burma. Though the UN and international community asked to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners, they didn't do it adequately. As they included very few amount of political prisoners whose release date is about to due, they could still claim that we release political prisoners on demand. But dictators ignore most request made by the UN and international community.

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(4) cheat to himself

It is quite usual that people think what they are doing is right. But for Bo Than Shwe this is difficult function that he has to perform himself as a cheater. To a certain extent, he knows that he is dictators and he is not innocent. The worst thing he has done is to repudiate and refuse to acknowledge Bo Gyoke Aung San and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Then, the deeds to remove Bo Gyoke Aung San pictures from the offices is just insulting entire Burmese people and the country. Then, he promoted himself as he is grand national leader. This is just a cheat and he should know himself that he is the enemy of the state. But, supprisingly he still have supporter who say that “Killings and suppressions are normal there but we have to know the fact,” Samak said. “And Senior Than Shwe practices meditation. He said he prays in the morning … and the country has been in peace and order.”

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Whatever it is, what Bo Than Shwe has done so far is just to imitate previous authoritarians such as Bo Ne Win and Bo Saw Maung. As this is an obvious attitude that exist in almost all of Burmese people, we have to wait and see who's next after Bo Than Shwe.