Myanmar says constitution approved by 92.4 percent

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

YANGON (AFP) — Myanmar's military-backed constitution was approved by 92.4 percent in a widely condemned referendum held everywhere except regions hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis, state television said Thursday.

"We announce the results of the referendum, with 92.4 percent casting Yes ballots," said a statement from Aung Toe, head of the committee that organised the vote, which was read on state television.

More than 99 percent of the 22.5 million voters eligible to vote on May 10 cast their ballots, it said.

Regions devastated by the cyclone, which left 66,000 dead or missing, are set to vote on May 24, even though the United Nations estimates two million people are still in desperate need of food, water and shelter.

Detained democracy leader Aung San...