Burma sets date for popular votes
Feb 9th, 2008
BBC News 9th Feb 2008-02-09
Burma will hold a constitutional referendum in May followed by general elections in 2010, the country’s military junta has said.
Officials attend a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of Burma’s independence from Britain, 4 January 2008. Burma’s regime faced widespread protests last year
The regime had set out what it called a roadmap for democracy but had not previously given any firm timetable.
It made the announcement in a statement on state television and radio.
Burma has been under military rule since 1962. The country saw rare nationwide protests against the ruling junta in August and September.
Saturday’s announcement said that “multi-party democratic elections will be held in 2010, according to the new constitution.
“It is suitable to change the military administration to a democratic, civil administrative system, as good fundamentals have been established,” the regime said.
“The country’s basic infrastructure has been built, although there is still more to do in striving for the welfare of the nation.”