In pictures: Burma votes

A referendum on a controversial new constitution has been held in most parts of Burma, despite last week's devastating cyclone which has killed tens of thousands of people.

The military government says the new constitution will pave the way for democracy, but opponents say it is aimed at cementing the generals' grip on power.

Burma's rulers have been criticised for holding the vote while many people in the south have still not received help a week after the cyclone hit.

The authorities are allowing in some international aid, but they are denying visas for aid workers, hampering the relief effort.

About a million people have been made homeless by the cyclone, which devastated the Irrawaddy Delta.

Many houses were destroyed and bridges, roads and communications were knocked out. Thousands of human bodies still lie on fields and waterways in the delta.

Survivors say every family in affected areas have lost two or three members.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned of "catastrophic" consequences if Burma's rulers continue to place restrictions on the relief efforts.

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