Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power

"Even as hundreds of thousands of its citizens struggle for basic shelter, food and health care, Myanmar's government has prioritized acceptance of the new constitution," Amnesty International said.

It said the proposed constitution was "an effort to undermine respect for human rights and to entrench military rule and impunity."

Groups that led last year's pro-democracy demonstrations also issued protests while carrying on with their campaign urging people to vote "no."

They urged people to mark their ballots with X, which has become a symbol of opposition. Activists, using the cover of darkness, have scrawled and spray-painted Xs in public places in Myanmar's cities.

In nearby Malaysia, about 500 Myanmar activists demonstrated Saturday outside their country's embassy in Kuala Lumpur, demanding that the junta call off the referendum even after voting began.

The protesters, who included dozens of women and children, waved placards saying "We ssssswant democracy", "No is our vote", "Stop the junta" and "Don't hold the referendum during mourning days." Most of them wore red T-shirts bearing the word "No".