‘Vote No’ Demonstrations in World Capitals

Burmese communities in several world capitals staged demonstrations at the weekend appealing for a “No” vote in Burma’s constitutional referendum on May 10. In some Asian cities, Burmese with officially-approved papers were allowed to cast advance votes, but few did so—hundreds took part, instead, in mock elections, casting cards inscribed with “No” in ballot boxes set up outside Burmese embassies. There were scuffles in Tokyo, but otherwise the demonstrations passed off peacefully.