Burma remains poised on the brink of major developments today as several large events unfold. The weekend witnessed the wrap up of the disgracefully lopsided voting process to determine the fate of the new constitution. With evidence of blatant vote rigging emerging from al quarters, the result is sure to be a foregone conclusion. Votes already caste in the areas outside the cyclone affected regions returned a yes verdict of 92 percent. The preposterous figure of 99 percent was claimed by the authorities for voter turnout. In Rangoon media outlets report that pre ticked ballots were handed out by authorities prior to the election and that civil servants were being pressured to vote yes if they wanted to keep their jobs.

Important though the referendum is, the more pressing issue for the nation is how to delta with the overwhelming demands of the enormous relief operation underway. By isolating the international community for the first two weeks after the cyclone, the Burmese regime was only able to prove that it was completely incompetent in handling the crisis. There was a glimmer of hope following Friday’s announcement about allowing in foreign experts but no details have emerged as yet about the specifics of the deal. Some large groups have already expressed suspicion over what the announcement actually means. It is as yet unclear whether the workers will be allowed to work in the delta where they are needed most. Suspicion of the regime is common as they have a rather poor track record in keeping promises, especially where the UN is concerned.

An international donors meeting was held in Rangoon today and it is hoped that the UN sponsored event will be able to increase the funding made available to facilitate the massive relief operation taking place. It is also anticipated that much funding will be made available for longer term projects such as reconstruction of schools and other infrastructure. Aid groups are already planning for the longer term when the immediate needs of emergency response have been fulfilled and communities will be self sufficient again.

International commentators are speculating as to whether the junta will be able to keep its promises regarding the relief effort, as this may have a significant impact on the aid that is pledged at today’s conference.

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