Ruling Junta in Burma Announces Campaign Restrictions

The ruling junta regime in Burma Thursday published campaign restrictions for the upcoming general elections in November, which it says are to ensure that the elections remain “free and fair,” according to the German Press Agency (DPA).

According to the 13-point regulations, candidates must apply for permission to speak publicly at least seven days in advance, and may not cause disturbances in public places or traffic.

Each candidate must pay a 500,000 kyat (US$500) registration fee, which amounts to a substantial sum in a country where the estimated GDP per capita was $1,100 in 2009.

The United States, United Nations, and the U.K. condemned the elections last Friday after the Nov. 7 date was announced. The United States responded saying there is “no level playing field,” according to the Democratic Voice of Burma and AFP.

U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley, who said that “given the oppressive political environment in Burma …[elections] cannot be inclusive or credible under these circumstances,” according to the report.