Myanmar poll encounters apathy, ignorance focus 09/08/2010

Myanmar poll encounters apathy, ignorance

focus

09/08/2010
THABEIKKYIN — The first election in 20 years is only weeks away, but for many people in isolated Myanmar, a chronic lack of information — and meaningful choice — has dulled enthusiasm for the vote.

“Could you please advise me who I should vote for?” 43-year-old Ko Aung asked AFP when questioned on the election.

The father-of-three said there were only two parties in his area, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the National Unity Party (NUP). Both support the country’s feared military junta.

Ko Aung, who sells bamboo shoots from the forest in Mandalay’s Thabeikkyin township, has heard independent radio reports saying the USDP “is not good,” but he has no strong interest in politics.

“Our daily income is the important thing for us,” he said.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100908com5.html