The decision by Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), not to take part in the election is seen as a political blunder among some diplomats, international observers and former activists inside and outside Burma. They say the NLD missed an opportunity and that the decision was hasty, playing into the hands of the regime.

However, several leading NLD figures defended the decision and told me that there was a fundamental reason not to re-register the party for the coming election. They say the main reason for the decision is the regime’s election law. (See: Suu Kyi Unhappy with Election Law)

Aung Zaw is founder and editor of the Irrawaddy magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]

In March, NLD leaders filed a lawsuit against election laws at the supreme court. However, a supreme court official reportedly told the party leaders that the court does not have the power to handle the case, and returned the documents.

In any case, the critics say that Aung San Suu Kyi’s message in late March before the party leaders’ final meeting in Rangoon largely influenced the decision of NLD members and complain that it was unfair.

Two camps formed within the NLD: party Chairman Aung Shwe, and some senior party members favored re-registration, while  leading critic Win Tin, Nyan Win and several other NLD leaders opposed it. The party’s youth wing was also active in opposing the election.

As expected, there were several meetings before the party reached a final decision not to re-register. (See: NLD Divided on Party Registration). At a meeting on March 15, Aung Shwe proposed re-registration but no final decision was reached.

Underlying movement at the grass-roots level in the countryside was meanwhile occurring.

Opposition to the party's re-registration began in Pegu, Magwe and Irrawaddy Divisions, where several leaders openly told exiled media, including The Irrawaddy and the Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma, that they favored a boycott because of the repressive election law.

Heated discussion meanwhile continued in Rangoon, where rumors surfaced of a split within the party.

Several party leaders came out in opposition to re-registration at a Rangoon meeting on March 23, a strong indication that grass-roots members were playing a major role in shaping the decision.

Then came Suu Kyi's statement, issued through her lawyer Nyan Win, that she would not even think of registering under the unjust election law.

“She wanted party members to know that the party would have no dignity if it registers and participates in the election,” Nyan Win said.

Many inside and outside Burma said Suu Kyi’s message strongly influenced the party’s final decision.

In defense of Suu Kyi, Win Tin told me that even before Suu Kyi came out with her statement, there was consensus among  grassroots NLD and youth members that the party should not re-register for the election.

“But we respect her decision and she is still a powerful voice,” he said. More than 50 per cent of NLD members at the grass-roots level favored shunning the election, he disclosed.

At the party executive meeting on March 27, Aung Shwe and NLD leaders who favored re-registration did not show up. Word came from Aung Shwe's camp, however, that he agreed to Suu Kyi's message and would respect the decision.