On 30 August 2003, in the wake of intensified international pressure against the Burmese military regime, newly appointed Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt unveiled a 7-point ‘road map’ to democracy. According to Khin Nyunt, the SPDC road map will reconvene the stalled 1993 National Convention to draft a state Constitution, which will be voted on in a national referendum and ultimately result in ‘free and fair’ elections.

However, the regime’s stated intentions have been contradicted by their actions. Widespread human rights violations continue, even as the regime attempts to convince the international community and ethnic nationality groups that they are sincere about implementing its roadmap to democracy.

While some international observers feel optimistic about the roadmap, it is important to remember that without key steps forward, the roadmap resembles a recycling of excuses and delay tactics previously used by the junta to avoid acknowledgement of the 1990 general election results.