Seven eleven elections

Seven eleven elections
Today – Friday 13th August, which is believed by some in Western countries to be an unlucky day – the long awaited election date in Burma was announced: on 7th November of this year, Burmese people can cast their votes in what has no chance of being free or fair elections.
What is The Best Friend's opinion on these elections and what will happen in the lead up tothem?

King Zero:
“It's for sure that the junta will win these upcoming elections. As soon as the votes are cast, theywill declare their victory. This is not good for the Burmese people. The junta will only change their clothes, not the system.
We hope, we believe in the people. People power is very important, especially now. We need to demonstrate again. We need to speak out and disagree with all this.”
“As The Best Friend we agree with and support the viewpoint of the NLD, but I would like to make a suggestion to the NLD: please send out a clear message to the people now. The people do not know what the NLD wants and what is happening to the people. We suggest to the NLD to give a clear message: what are they planning to do for the people. Now, this is not clear. People do not know now. And they are waiting to hear it.”
“The people are trying to do something, to prepare some action. They do not like these elections.They must become active and do something. At the moment, many people inside Burma are poor.
They have no food, no money. Life is very difficult inside these days. The people are also angry.They have big problems surviving. We notice it here in Mae Sot: more and more people from Burma flee to Mae Sot.”
“I connect with the people inside, via telephone and email. I also hear about what's happening inside and about the mood and atmosphere through visitors. They explain to me about inside. We are distributing strickers and pamphlets to inform the people and to try and encourage the people to stand up, take action and speak out.”
“I don't really want to live abroad. I only want to live inside Burma. I'm needed there. I want to help my people.”
Ashin Kovida:
“The elections are good, I agree with the idea, but they should be free and fair. And all political prisoners should be released. If not, we need international pressure; the international community must get involved. We need serious action from them, verbal action. They must speak out and make official statements, instead of remaining quiet. With one voice they should reach a statement about
the release of political prisoners and about the election, that it should be all inclusive.”
“The countries in the West should persuade neighbouring countries of Burma, like the ASEAN, to pressure the regime. And to speak out for justice. Political parties that register should be free to campaign and have freedom of press.”
“I like the concept of the 'no-vote', but many people don't know exactly what this means and that you also have a choice not to vote. They live in fear. And the junta doesn't care, they are ready to announce their victory. They own the whole media, all tv, all magazines and newspapers. They can announce anything they want.”
“Now that the election date has been announced, I'm curious what will happen. Of course, the elections will not be fair. I want to know how they will go about it. As The Best Friend, we speak on behalf of the people. We don't speak on behalf of organisations or parties.” “The elections should be welcomed if anybody wants to vote for democracy, but they should be free and fair. And elections alone are not enough to bring democracy and freedom to Burma. All parties should be able to participate. If not, the international community should warn the regime that they
will not legitimise and recognise the results and the resulting government.”