{
  "id": "RL34481",
  "type": "CRS Report",
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  "number": "RL34481",
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      "id": 342673,
      "date": "2008-06-30",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T03:19:51.836875",
      "title": "Cyclone Nargis and Burma\u2019s Constitutional Referendum",
      "summary": "Cyclone Nargis struck the coast of Burma in the evening of May 2, 2008 and cut a path of destruction across the southern portion of the country. The storm left in its wake an official death toll of 84,537 and 53,836 more missing, and extensive damage to the nation\u2019s premier agricultural areas. Some have speculated that the final number of dead is actually more than 130,000. Vital infrastructure was destroyed by the storm, severely limiting the ability to assess the loss of life and provide assistance to the survivors for weeks following the cyclone. In addition, much of Burma\u2019s most productive agricultural land has been severely damaged; some experts expect that it will take up to two years for Burma\u2019s production of rice, seafood, pork and poultry to recover, and that the nation may face chronic food shortages and the need for international assistance for many months.\nBurma\u2019s ruling military junta quickly faced both domestic and international criticism for its response to Cyclone Nargis, including accusations that it failed to provide adequate warning, its slow emergency response, and its reluctance to allow international relief workers into the country. The United States has offered so far contributed $40.17 million in relief aid.\nEven before Cyclone Nargis struck, the junta was already facing a highly controversial referendum on a proposed constitution scheduled for May 10, 2008, that could shape U.S. and other countries\u2019 policies toward Burma. As a consequence, the evolution and implications of the humanitarian crisis became inextricably linked to Burma\u2019s political situation and its relations with the international community. In a widely criticized move, the military junta decided go ahead with the vote, holding the constitutional referendum in most of Burma on May 10, 2008, and in the more severely affected areas on May 24, 2008. The SPDC reported a heavy turnout on both days and few voting irregularities. Opposition groups state that the turnout was light, and there were many cases of voting fraud and voter intimidation. On May 29, 2008, the junta announced the promulgation of the new constitution, on the basis of on its approval by 90.7% of the eligible voters. According to the new constitution, elections to form a new government are to be held in 2010.\nSome experts are speculating that Cyclone Nargis may precipitate major political change in Burma, including the destabilization of Burma\u2019s military regime. The junta has already faced domestic and international pressure to cancel the constitutional referendum. Local dissatisfaction with the speed and quality of the junta\u2019s provision of emergency assistance may heighten domestic opposition to the junta and its proposed constitution. Also, rising food prices and food shortages may feed popular discontent, much like fuel price increases led to protests in Burma of September 2007. In addition, two days before announcing the official results of the constitutional referendum, the SPDC extended opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi\u2019s house arrest for the sixth consecutive year. This report examines the scope of and response to the disaster, as well as its links to Burma\u2019s political situation and U.S. policy. The report will be updates as circumstances warrant.",
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    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc815458/",
      "id": "RL34481_2008May16",
      "date": "2008-05-16",
      "retrieved": "2016-03-19T13:57:26",
      "title": "Cyclone Nargis and Burma\u2019s Constitutional Referendum",
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    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc818226/",
      "id": "RL34481_2008May09",
      "date": "2008-05-09",
      "retrieved": "2016-03-19T13:57:26",
      "title": "Cyclone Nargis and Burma\u2019s Constitutional Referendum",
      "summary": null,
      "type": "CRS Report",
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    "Constitutional Questions",
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