A REFERENDUM on a new Constitution will be held on May 10, which Myanmar's ruling junta said would clear the way for elections in 2010.

But critics denounce the proposed charter as undemocratic and designed to perpetuate military rule.

It will keep opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi out of Myanmar's government and allot 25 per cent of the seats in both houses of Parliament to the military.

The Constitution will be adopted if more than half the eligible voters approve it.