Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is today guest editing his wife Sarah Brown’s Twitter account, supporting Burma Campaign UK’s call for stronger international pressure to bring real change to the people of Burma.
Burma’s generals are today holding the country’s first elections for 20 years, but every stage of the election process has been rigged to ensure pro-military parties win the election, and a new constitution will guarantee continued military rule.
“Aung San Suu Kyi has been denied her voice too long – until she is free to lead her people, we must all lend our voices to the struggle for democracy in Burma,” said Gordon Brown. “That is why I am guest editing Sarah’s Twitter, to support the Burma Campaign’s efforts to push for real reform for a people too long denied their freedom.”
Sarah Brown has more than a million followers on Twitter.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, has been banned, and are calling for a boycott of the election. Early reports from Burma suggest a low turnout, despite intimidation and threats if people don’t turn out to vote for pro-military parties.
As Prime Minister, Gordon Brown led the world in mobilising support for the people of Burma in their struggle for freedom and democracy. His government pushed for stronger diplomatic and targeted economic pressure, and doubled humanitarian aid to Burma.
“We are very grateful to Gordon and Sarah Brown for their continued support for the people of Burma,” said Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK. “Through these tweets and re-tweets we can get the message to millions of people that these elections are a sham and international support must continue.”
Burma Campaign UK argues that is it clear that the elections and new constitution will not bring real and speedy democratic change and an improvement in human rights in Burma. The international community should unite behind a revived UN-led initiative to persuade the dictatorship to enter into dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups.
Key facts about the election are available at:http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/news-and-reports/news-stories/new-burma-government-does-not-have-to-include-any-elected-mps/8