Junta in for an easy ride tomorrow

For one thing, he pointed out, the draft charter’s Article 441 stipulates that it would be ratified by a simple majority from votes cast by over 50% of eligible votes. “According to the township referendum commissioner whom I have talked to before I left,” he recalled, “there are a little over 30 million eligible voters in the whole country. Which means if over 15 million people show up tomorrow, the referendum will be valid. Which also means that if a little over 7.5 million vote in favor, the draft will be approved.”

Cyclone Nargis that was believed to have wiped out over 100,000 people and made millions homeless on 2-3 May has only helped to reduce the odds. “Now they need a lesser number of people to support the draft,” he said.
 

Sample Advance Ballot papers

So far the Referendum Convening Commission, set up on 26 February, has yet to announce the total number of eligible voters in the whole country. “That gives them another edge,” he quipped.
 
“I’m sure,” he added, “if the voters have their own way, they are going to vote No. Even the township immigration officer (who is responsible for issuing household registers and ID cards) told me that was exactly what he is going to do tomorrow.”
 
In Namkham township, Shan State North, a police officer was reported ignoring the order from the township chief to take into custody a local village official who had voted No at the advance polling session yesterday. Police Captain Hla Win was quoted as telling U Tin Hlaing, the township peace and development council (TPDC) chairman, “According to the referendum law, he (the offender) hasn’t done anything wrong. If he has to be arrested, it must be on your own responsibility.”