Statement on Burma elections

Statement

Canberra

31 October 2010

On 7 November Burma will hold its first elections in 20 years.

This should have been a moment to be welcomed for a country that has suffered under repressive military
rule since 1962.

We have very grave reservations about the elections. They are being conducted under patently unfair
election laws that place severe restrictions on political parties.

International media and international observers are banned.

Eleven political parties have been dissolved by the authorities and several others have been denied the right
to register.

Parties' ability to campaign and gain access to the media is severely constrained.

There are over 2000 political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Australia has consistently called
for their immediate and unconditional release.

Despite these unpromising circumstances, many democrats in Burma have chosen to contest the elections.

We respect their decision to do so – as we do the decision of those who have chosen to not participate.

A number of the 37 registered parties contesting the elections are not affiliated with the regime. We
acknowledge their right to pursue the limited opportunities they have to try and create new political space in
Burma and give opportunities for democratic and ethnic voices to be heard.

I welcome Indonesian Foreign Minister Natalegawa's comments of 28 October noting the elections'
‘credibility deficit' and again calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. He
also said the elections must be accompanied by national dialogue and reconciliation. We support these calls.

We also welcome Philippine President Aquino's call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Australia knows that the struggle for democratic change in Burma is ongoing. So our targeted sanctions,
travel bans and ban on defence exports will remain in place to maintain pressure on the Burmese authorities
to address human rights concerns and pursue real change.

At the same time, Australia will continue to help the Burmese people. Burma is the poorest member of
ASEAN. Its child mortality rates are among the highest in the world, while the level of international aid to
Burma is amongst the world's lowest.
This year, Australia is providing $48.6 million in aid, a significant increase from the $29.1 million in
provided in 2009-10.

This aims to meet critical needs in health, especially for mothers and children, education and agriculture. It
also aims to rebuild the capacity of Burmese people and institutions and address the decline in Burma's
human capital.

In addition, Australia is providing an initial assistance package of $200,000 for those affected by Cyclone
Giri, which struck Burma on 22 October.

Australia will continue to work with the United Nations and the international community to encourage
inclusive dialogue and genuine democratic reform, and promote national reconciliation, in order to help the
people of Burma build a better future.

Media inquiries
• Minister's office: (02) 6277 7500
• DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555