(Image Source: Daily Mail)

BY ERIK SHUTE

Initial results from Burma’s election show military incumbents ahead in the polls. Post-election violence is driving 15,000 refugees flee to Thailand’s borders.  BBC reports Burma’s minority groups were finally fed up with the political games and fraudulent voting.

“Now fighting has returned to the Thai-Burmese border. Between a group that boycotted the vote and briefly occupied a polling station and government Burmese troops ... And it's sent hundreds of Burmese refugees into Thailand to join the hundreds of thousands made homeless by Burma’s ongoing political drama.”

The military seized control of the government more than 40 years ago.  CBS suggests Burma’s abuse of its minority populations is unprecedented -- and was the final breaking point to the post-election violence.

“Both of the main parties in this election are fronts for the military junta that's ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma since 1962.  It's led by a general who made sure that whatever the results at the polls he'd still be in charge.”

This is not a far cry from the elections held more than 20 years ago where national democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi emerged to aid in Burma’s steps toward democracy.  As ITN notes, the resistance has her and other political leaders walking a tightrope ever since.

“In the last election held in the country Suu Kyi’s national lead for democracy won a landslide victory, but the ruling Generals ignored the decision and have kept her locked up at home on and off ever since.  She’s one of more than 2,000 political prisoners held by a regime that has been accused of brutal treatment toward ethic minorities.”

World super powers are also weighing in.  The press was quick to catch President Obama’s reaction during his stay in India this week.  Fox News delivered the statements from his last meeting with the press.

OBAMA: “The democracies of the world cannot remain silent.  It is unacceptable to steal elections. As the regime in Burma has done again, for all the world to see.”

Across the pond, European Union officials are not so eager to acknowledge the country’s progress.  In an interview with Al Jazeera, EU ambassador David Lipman believes Burma is under their magnifying glass, but sees no immediate changes.

REPORTER: “The European Union says it would consider lifting sanctions against the new government if Suu Kyi and more than 2,000 other political prisoners are released.”  
LIPMAN: “Clearly we will have to wait and see what happens after the elections ... and then we will have to judge the new government’s policies and actions.”

Now the aftermath of Burma’s elections is clear. With thousands fleeing the country, do you think the military regime will hold its power?