Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power

Myanmar held a referendum Saturday that will likely solidify the ruling junta's hold on power, even as it appeared overwhelmed by a devastating cyclone that killed tens of thousands of people.

State TV broadcast a special video showing two women singing a pop-style song whose lyrics translated to: "Let's go to cast vote.... with sincere thoughts for happy days ... Let's go to cast vote."

But in a country where the last election was held 18 years ago, many people had no idea how to vote.

Some asked each other or officials, "Where do I go?" or "What do I do?" as they walked into curtained booths to cast their ballots.

The referendum seeks public approval of a new constitution, which the generals say will be followed in 2010 by a general election. Both votes are elements of what the junta calls its "roadmap to democracy."

But the proposed constitution guarantees 25 percent of parliamentary seats to the military and allows the president to hand over all power to the military in a state of emergency — elements critics say defy the junta's professed commitment to democracy.