Despite the difficult situation caused by the cyclone Nargis, which swept everything away in Yangon, Myanmar, the military junta held referendum to approve a new constitution. This comes after the news that the Burman Embassy in Bangkok took holiday. And if one takes into consideration the fact that numerous flights and rescue teams are waiting for approval to enter the country, the Burman government’s decision to go on with the election is almost uncomprehensible.

Specialists who have a full view over the situation are worried about an eventual pandemic outbreak. Diseases like diarrhoea and malaria are very likely to burst given the dire life conditions people in that area have at this point.

As if it were placed somewhere far away from the events at this exact point in Myanmar, the state television alleged the referendum was necessary for the nation’s future, Reuters informs. They used to tell citizens they had a duty towards the country and that by voting, they had to confirm the role the military has in the governing process.

The international perception over this referendum is that the junta was searching a way to legitimise its 46-year long seizure of power. 

Among the aids received for the people in need there are also the supplies dispatched by UN, which amount to $187 million. U.N. officials expressed their worries about the destination these shipments would reach, considering the fact that the junta didn’t approve any foreign aid workers. So it was impossible for the U.N. to make sure that aid was sent where it was needed.

Regardless of the politic issues implied, it is obvious who has to suffer the consequences of all this temporization. People are without shelter, exposed to starvation and contamination risk. 

"This is the second disaster. First was the cyclone and the surge of water, the second will come if there is no access to food, water and shelter. They will start dying," Greg Beck, Southeast Asia programme director for the International Rescue Committee, told Reuters.