Burma

NLD Divided on Party Registration

By BA KAUNG Thursday, March 25, 2010

COMMENTS (14)

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On March 29, more than 100 National League for Democracy (NLD) party leaders from across the country will meet at the party's Rangoon headquarters to discuss whether to register the party under the junta's election law. Though Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly said she is against her party registering, the party leadership remains divided. Longtime Suu Kyi supporter Win Tin, 80, who was released in September 2008 after more than 19 years in prison said he would probably retire if the majority decide to register. Khin Maung Swe, 67, a leading party official who spent 14 years in prison supports registration and joining the election even though this means the party must expel Suu Kyi under the junta law. Both spoke to The Irrawaddy on the party's future.

Win Tin

Question: Could you give us three specific reasons why you are for or against party registration?

Answer: If we register the party, we have to expel Daw Suu and other detained party leaders. The details of the party registration laws are not clear about whether Daw Suu could rejoin the party after her release and it would be up to the election commission. The second reason is that if we register the party we have to vow to protect the junta's Constitution, which we have repeatedly said is unacceptable. The third factor is that after registration, we will have to police the “illegal” activities of party members and warn them they will be expelled if they continue those activities. This will guarantee that no one in the party will dare express his ideas at the risk of imprisonment.

Q. What will happen to the NLD if it decides to contest the elections? And what if not?

A: If the NLD decides not to contest the elections, two things can happen. Either the NLD will cease to be a valid and registered party or the regime will outlaw the party, causing it to lose its identity and party flag. The dignity of the party will increase immensely when we show we are not giving in to the junta's unjust law. We will also have a broader space to operate with the public because we will show that the principles the party stands for are more important than its mere existence.

Q. Can the NLD expect to gain another landslide victory like it did 20 years ago if it decides to contest the election?

A: The 1988 uprising led by students was one of the main causes which gave the NLD a landslide victory in the 1990 elections. Party leaders like U Aung Shwe only got onto the political stage because of the 1988 uprising. In addition, the military was politically quite weak at the time. The situation is totally different now: we are tied up by various laws and if the party contests the election, there is little or no chance for us to win a majority of seats, much less an overwhelming victory.

Q. How do you foresee the post-election scenario in Burma?

A: This election ensures that two major groups will operate in parliament at different levels: one will be composed of military officers and the other members of multiple political parties made up from business cronies like Tay Za backed by junta groups such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association [USDA] and Swan Arr Shin [a government-organized paramilitary group that suppresses political dissidents]. Besides, the three candidates for the Presidency election will be nominated by the military representatives of the bicameral parliament, but we don't know the procedure for their election [The presidency electoral law will be drawn up later, according to the constitution.] Moreover, the formation of the government will be in the hands of the future President who can appoint either members of parliament or non-elected persons as cabinet ministers. If the president selects members of parliament from a political party, they can't represent their party in the government because they not only have to resign their parliamentary seats but they also have to refrain from party activities.

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COMMENTS (14)

James O'Brien Wrote:

29/03/2010

Clearly the NLD is the Gulliver Giant tied down by a zillion little fake "laws" passed by the spdc.

I agree with U Win Tin. NLD should not lower itself by playing in a game where all the rules are "fixed" by the spdc, and moreover rules can change at anytime on whim.

This is like Alice in Wonderland and "off with her head!" Suu's!! No matter who wins, they lose if not affiliated with the spdc.

What a God-damned FARCE.

Moreover, it will make no difference if the NLD is deemed legimate or not, already they are treated by the regime as illegitimate, ie UG or underground.

The 67 year old is naive.

Post-election will make no bloody difference, will be worse.

Tide Wrote:

27/03/2010

20 years ago, the same military government set election laws; and the NLD happily participated in it.

Now, the same military government sets rules and Suu Kyi doesn't not want the party to participate.

If she did not like the military government, then she should not have participated from the beginning. She is like a rubber ring.

james Wrote:

27/03/2010

NLD and SPDC are the same thing. They just play games. Don't trust them. Be smart everyone.

Observer Wrote:

26/03/2010

U Khin Maung Shwe does not seem to understand the principles of democracy. First he talks about "maintaining the party's policy of unity'. What? Democracy is about choices and opinions and not about unity. Unity is the religion of dictators.

Second he thinks that if the party does not register than there will be no opposition nor democracy. Implying that NLD is the only democratic force in the country, forgetting that there are other parties as well and forgetting that if there were no parties other parties it could not have been a multi party election. Even if the parties that won are puppets, it must be recognized that it's still democracy.

Whether the NLD registers or not should be based on what's strategically best for the party. Something like splitting the NLD into two might be a good option, with options of reconciliation in the future. Let's call this new party TNLD (Transitional NLD).

Victoria Wrote:

26/03/2010

OLD stories coming again. That is not such a new case that NLD face such time to agree to disagree. Playing game to win the trick of the government by making the right decision is always made by the party leaders. Not knowing the fact that lie inside and trying to disorganize or sth like dividing is following the plan that is tricked by government. So, be organize and don't try to be weaker than what the NLD is standing which is doing the right thing. Blaming on those who are actively standing against the dictators is the brave of the NLD and no other can take their role. Try to get strength by believing on the leadership role and I am sure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will always agree with the Uncles from the party who are now real grandpa of the country.

Dr. Myo THI-HA Wrote:

26/03/2010

Time and history will decide.
If not go for registration, what is the next option for NLD?
Daw Suu Kyi only considered for herself to take a state power, even not think about for her NLD party. For 60 millions of Myanmar people...A BIG FAR from her, 100% no doubt.

What Daw Suu Kyi said that means is really devided NLD party to many pieces BY herself.

Daw Suu Kyi pushed her NLD party to underground (UG) because she did not clarify what will be the next option after against this registeration.

100% clearly seen that, she is an icon of British colonism and she MUST NOT BE a leader of our future Myanmar.

As she disqualified and icon of colonism, as she wants military regime to continue for our future, we are very hard to trust Daw Suu Kyi.

No more era for Daw Suu Kyi. FINISHED. End of with her in Myanmar history.

Power is by the people, of the people, for the people. (not fighting between Suu Kyi and SPDC)

Arm Chair Critic Wrote:

26/03/2010

U Khin Maung Swe is making a BIG illusion. Why is Daw Suu under house arrest now? She should not have been arrested, charged and sentenced to three years in the first place, nor should she have been under any form of detention over the past twenty years. After all, U Khin Maung Swe didn't seem to have learned anything.

A furious burmese Wrote:

26/03/2010

This is extremely shocking to see how NLD is divided in leadership. And why does their disagreement have to be public even before a major meeting? Why do they have to defend their views in public?

This is pure incompetent. Don’t ask for 1990 election results with this kind of management. That’s good that you didn’t do anything in the past 20 years. Otherwise your “dignity” would turn into shame long ago. With this, NLD has not much time before fading away.

Luzhou Wrote:

26/03/2010

I think people will be happier if NLD doesn't register the part. If NLD feels it doesn't have a choice but to register at the outset, it doesn't look like it will have choice in the future either even if it registers. Large number of population and international think the junta's laws are unjust and still if NLD go ahead and bow to the unjust laws instead of fighting, many will lose faith and respect for the party, like U Win Tin said. U Khin Maung Swe may be right in his reasoning, but for decades of dealing with the military regime, we all have learned a lot, and what we are being offered today by the regime is nothing like democracy we all dreamed of. It will be a sad ending if the leaders we all look up to in the end make decision naively.

Naing Moe Aung Wrote:

25/03/2010

Why not do both (registration and not-registration). Unusual challenges like this required out-of-the-box creative solutions. Look at what KIO had done. KIO has allowed a core group of leaders to resign and form Kachin State Progressive Party led by Dr. Tu Ja. It is a strategic move where they do not break-up but instead pursuing multiple approaches to address a complex problem like attaining democracy. KIO is endorsing people in Kachin State to vote for KSPP while taking their principled stand. NLD could also do something like that. It is important that NLD should never break-up in spirit and be in opposing camps and in disarray. That won't be good for the country. NLD could make a tactical decision to form a new party where everyone endorses it to run for seats in the election while original NLD remains steadfast to their founding ideals. I believe everyone in NLD wants democracy. It's just that they have different ideas on how to get it. It is very important that they remain united.

Yangontha Wrote:

25/03/2010

Than Shwe knows exactly what he is doing to Daw ASSK and to her party for coming election however, he does not know that he can drop death anytime from now for he is full of mental sickness. Even if he can make it through this election, his own soldiers can take him away anytime for his Junta is also in a same position like NLD with full of divided opinions too.

George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:

25/03/2010

Khin Maung Swe failed to take into account whether Than Shwe would play the game straight or on a level field.
Than Shwe would rig the election in his favor and intimidate the voting public as well no doubt if his publicized electoral laws are of any indication to that fact.
Khin Maung Swe admitting military would still rule supreme in the country in post election Burma and opting to crown Than Shwe despite the fact reveals his stupidity and idiocy no less.
"But parliament will still have the power to pass bills addressing human rights abuses and socio-economic issues in our country" certainly drains the last remaining shreds of credibility and most importantly bares his credulity and gullibility despite his age and experience in a cell that lasted nearly a decade and a half as they say.
This ilk of guys never learn I noted.
In contrast U Win Tin and Daw Suu's firm stand on Than Shwe's laws and farce are laudable and consistent with the times and situations at hand as well I say.

San Aye Wrote:

25/03/2010

When Ne Win died there was not a single dog nor his best men to attend his funeral. His greatest and fondest grandsons nor his son in law was there. Why? Because he lost the love of the entire people. Now why should the NLD be divided because of Than Shwe. The people have placed their trust in the NLD. Why do you all want to get divided. Is it just for this crook Than Shwe to be happy. Remember he is from the Physcological Warfare which mean he has a lot of crooked ways to do to dishearten the people and the NLD. That is his game. So we also must be smart and get the NLD register in the party elections. See what move he will take. The NLD must play a game of chess. The NLD has the entire backing of the citizens who are waiting for a change. The NLD party itself has gained the trust of the people, why let down the people. I can bet that the NLD will get a landslide this time also. No matter the time frame nor the past years. Our Motto, The people is for the NLD, NLD for the people.

johnnaha 007 Wrote:

25/03/2010

The NLD should start working of registering in the upcoming elections. DASSK is in a way right and we admire her cause, but on the other hand if she is thinking of the entire citizens she should urge to register in the upcoming elections or else she becomes a loser giving into the crook Than Shwe to be happy. Why do that Teach Than Swe a lesson by registering in the elections. The more Than Shwe and his crook do and hurt Aunty Su the more the people will show their love & respect for Aunty Su and the NLD. Remember that Than Shwe has lost the love & trust of the entire people except his cronies and his hand picked business crooks that are exploiting Burma resources like Tay Za, Chit Khine, Zaw Zaw.Remember that these guys will be watched by the entire people and if their names should appear in any of the parties that are formed, I can bet that they will not get a single vote just like Ne Win not having even a dog attend his funeral. There should be no division in NLD. Trust in the Lord.