Amnesty International Nepal organized a mock voting programme focusing to the Myanmar election campaign on 29th October, 2010 in Kathmandu. On the occasion, more than two hundreds nuns cast their votes demanding three freedoms in Myanmar before the general election fixed for November 7, 2010, First time in two decades.Three types of freedom which raised by AI are freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.
On the occasion nuns’ cast vote by sitting in queue.They also demonstrated different placards and banner demanding freedom in Myanmar.The programme held during the time of three days ASEAN summit from 27 to 30 October, 2010. Amnesty International’s Asia- Pacific Directors also sent open letter to ASEAN Leaders on 28 October, 2010 raising concern regarding the election of Mynmar.
ASEAN is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia, which was formed on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Similarly, Kathmandu youth network affiliated to AI Nepal also organized an interaction programme in Kathmandu on 30 October 2010, related to the Myanmar election campaign. On the occasion more than 40 youths took part in the programme.
AI’s Myanmar Election Campaign has mainly focus on – Freedom for all Prisoners of Conscience and fair trials or freedom for political prisoners, Freedoms of expression, assembly and association for all people in Myanmar, Demanding member countries of ASEAN to speak out against Myanmar’s appalling human rights situation.
The first time in 20 years, Myanmar is set to hold national elections. But there is very little safe space for peaceful political dissent. As a country plagued by a long history of political repression and human rights abuse, the chance for freedom and positive change for Myanmar is slim.
Repression of freedom of association, expression and assembly is an ongoing and serious concern in Myanmar, where anyone who speaks or acts out, or is affiliated to actions against the government is at risk of arbitrary arrest, torture, imprisonment and extrajudicial executions.