The junta seeks to raise its credibility with the United NationsAlthough Burma's military rulers have released more than 7,000 prisoners in the last few days as part of their preparations for next year's planned polls, many critics believe it is really a political ploy to ease pressure on them at the UN General Assembly. Most are petty criminals, although around 200 political prisoners are amongst those freed.
Some analysts also believe that these releases are intended to increase the credibility of next year's multi-party elections – the first in 20 years. The regime has been constantly told that the polls are critical for Burma's relations with its neighbors and the world as a whole. The polls are dominating everything in Burma at the moment – even though the voting date is yet to be announced, according to diplomats and businessmen in Rangoon.
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