THE government promised voting would be “free and fair” in the constitutional referendum in May and parliamentary elections planned for 2010, on the last day of a visit to Myanmar by United Nations special envoy Mr Ibrahim Gambari on March 10.

“At the referendum, those supporting and opposing the government will have the right to vote freely,” Information Minister Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan said in a meeting with Mr Gambari in Yangon.

“Moreover, after the draft constitution is approved, those in favour of the constitution or those against it can have equal rights to form political parties, launch campaigns and enter the election in accordance with the laws concerned,” Brig Gen Kyaw Hsan said.

The meeting took place on the last day of the five-day visit by Mr Gambari, for talks aimed at promoting democracy and national unity in Myanmar.

A report in state-owned New Light of Myanmar said Mr Gambari thanked the government for arranging meetings during his visit, which also included talks with senior government ministers as well as with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her party, the National League for Democracy.

The report quoted Mr Gambari as saying during the meeting that he was able to have open discussions and exchange views freely during his meetings.
During his visit Mr Gambari was allowed to meet twice with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

“[Mr Gambari] believes that he will get a chance to come to the country again for the cooperation of the two sides,” the report said.

On March 8 Mr Gambari held talks with senior members of the government commission tasked with overseeing the referendum.

A separate report by New Light reported that Mr Gambari had suggested that foreign observers be allowed to monitor the voting in the referendum, and had offered assistance from the UN for the referendum.

But the report quoted a member of the referendum commission, U Thaung Nyunt, as saying that “holding the referendum for the constitution is within the state’s sovereignty”.

“Arrangements have been made for eligible voters to cast their votes freely,” the report said.

On the topic of technical assistance from the UN, U Thaung Nyunt said such help was not necessary because Myanmar had “adequate experience”.