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Opposition frets 2010 Myanmar election

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Published: Oct. 3, 2009 at 1:47 PM

YANGON, Myanmar, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- A noted Myanmar dissident says next year's public election in his nation won't mean much if it endorses the controversial constitution passed last year.

U Win Tin, 80, told The New York Times the 2008 vote was "very undemocratic" and that while the constitution allows elected representation, the government has been arresting and harassing opposition parties.

"We have some young men, but they are followed and sent to jail all the time," Win Tin said. "Sometimes, they go to the pagoda just for praying. They are followed and charged with something and sentenced."

Win Tin, who was released from prison in September 2008 after being locked up for 19 years, is the co-founder of fellow dissident Saw Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

The Times reported Friday there has been debate within the party over whether or not to participate in the 2010 election despite its flaws. Win Tin confirmed the dilemma but did not characterize it as a serious split.

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