These figures seem highly dubious, given the fact that many in the Irrawaddy are still completely stranded in the aftermath of the cyclone. It is not likely that the tens of thousands of people who are slowly running out of food in the two divisions would have been able to make it the polling stations to caste votes. This is especially so when the cyclone has completely or partially destroyed many of the roads in the area, as well as much of the infrastructure, including means of transportation. In some villagers there are said to have been no polling stations at all.

Not surprisingly, the National League for Democracy has expressed the view that the electoral process for the constitution has been a complete sham. The NLD’s exclusion from the process, as the country’s main opposition group is enough to discredit the process in the eyes of many observers. International observers remain as unconvinced as the members of the NLD and have reacted without surprise to the news that the junta has regularly engaged in vote rigging, advanced voting, and intimidation (especially of civil servants) throughout the entire process.

Although the voting has been farcical, and despite the exclusion of the NLD, the junta still claims that the new referendum has been a great success and a step on the road to democracy. To outside observers however, the road to democracy hinges to a great extent on the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Nobel prize laureate is due to be end her latest period of detention this week. However, there have been no encouraging signs from the junta that Suu Kyi will be granted her freedom at this time.

Back down in the Irrawaddy Delta there are still reports arriving almost three weeks after the cyclone, that there are still some survivors who have yet to be reached by aid. Pictures released by media outlets yesterday show hordes of refugees clamoring around an aid truck that managed to sneak deep into the delta yesterday. In order for the truck to reach its destination, the road had to be cleared of debris and animal corpses by large machinery. The difficulty of getting the aid in by this method is suggestive of the fact that there could still be thousands waiting even longer for relief in the most remote areas. As people such as these face starvation, US ships lie off the coast of Burma, laden with helicopters and aid that could be delivered in a matter of thirty minutes. It remains to be seen whether the junta will finally put its people first and allow in further outside help before its too late.

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