Myanmar’s junta prepares ground for elections focus 05/03/2010

Myanmar’s junta prepares ground for elections

focus 05/03/2010 BANGKOK — Myanmar’s generals have shed their uniforms and are establishing a new political party ahead of the country’s first election in two decades, but doubts remain over whether any real change is likely. The military government, which faces strict Western sanctions because of its human rights record, has billed this year’s polls — expected in late October or November — as a shift of power outside its entrenched military structure. But critics charge that the shift is essentially cosmetic and part of a long expected bid by the military regime to buy some legitimacy. Prime Minister Thein Sein and 22 other ministers resigned from the military last week to officially become civilians ahead of the polls. “They will just change their military uniform. Their positions will be still the same as before,” a Myanmar official told AFP. The premier then filed to form the “Union Solidarity and Development Party” (USDP), a name echoing Myanmar’s body charged with lobbying and social activities, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA)..... MORE  Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100503com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Enemies from the past FRONTLINE That’s democracy? focus Myanmar’s junta prepares ground for elections DIE HARD III First Gen: ‘Our’ green grass and geothermal... FEATURE Louisiana ‘way of life’ at risk as oil spill threatens fishing grounds HE SAYS Ang presidente ko… SHE SAYS Impossible dream?