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Attitude on fresh election: contest or not |
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Mizzima News
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Tuesday, 15 July 2008 12:45 |
In the wake of the recently concluded national constitutional referendum without support of the opposition, which is also the fourth step of the junta's seven step roadmap, the constitution was "approved" in May.
The next step is holding fresh elections in 2010. Despite objections and criticism by the opposition for blatant vote rigging and irregularities in the referendum, the junta approved the constitution which legitimized the supremacy of the military in Burmese politics and administration. The next step is the election. The political parties have to decide whether they will contest the election or not.
This is a dilemma for those who are eager to have a genuine democratic state of Burma. If they contest, it will be tantamount to recognizing the constitution that they opposed. If not, they will be marginalized from the political mainstream.
But the junta has consistently said that disciplined democracy can be achieved only this way.
Moreover, as for National League for Democracy, which posted a landslide victory in the 1990 general election, contesting in the new election would mean renouncing the last election result.
The junta announced on May 26 that 92.48% of all eligible voters supported the draft constitution draft in the referendum held on May 10 and 24 this year. But there was no transparency and freedom in the process of polling.
Despite the lack of fairness and freedom in the referendum, the ruling junta which grabbed power in a coup has announced that it would proceed to step five of its seven step road map, fresh elections in 2010.
We interviewed political party leaders, individuals, armed ethnic organizations in Burmese politics at home and abroad on this crucial issue --- the new election to be held in 2010. We present here the excerpts of these interviews.
In the light of the saffron revolution and its ramifications, and following the damage wrought by Cyclone Nargis, some are still pondering, some are totally opposed, and some say preparations should be made.
Mizzima will try to uphold the opinions of all political forces of Burma and will present more interviews.
Updated (2)
Aye Thar Aung (Secretary – Committee Representing People's Parliament or CRPP)
The Committee Representing the People's Parliament was formed in September, 1998 with the support of 251 elected Parliamentarians, who won the 1990 general elections. It includes representatives from the National League for Democracy and four ethnic political parties of Arakan (Rakhine), Shan, Mon and Zomi origin.
Q: What is your view on the 2010 election?
A: We don't accept either the referendum or the 2010 election. And also we won't contest the election.
Q: Why?
A: The junta didn't emphasize and is not serious about including the 1990 general election winning parties in drafting the constitution, essence of the drafting process and all other processes in its seven-step roadmap. All these are unilateral activities of the junta. This is the main reason why we can't accept them. Moreover, in this constitution, 25% of parliamentary seats are reserved for the armed forces which will play the leading role in politics. This constitution cannot lead to the emergence of a democratic state and cannot guarantee the rights of the ethnic people. Therefore we cannot accept it. We are standing with the people and not accepting both the constitution and 2010 election.
There have been no CRPP meetings for a long time. This is my own opinion rather than the CRPP's. CRPP's original position is to convene the parliament, implement the 1990 election results, so the 2010 election is contrary with this position.
Q: Will 1990 general election result be annulled when the 2010 election is held?
A: No. We cannot say that the 1990 election result will be annulled without implementing it to some extent. How can you define the term of the election? The Parliament must be convened and the MPs must be recognized in this parliament. We cannot accept those who say the 1990 result has been annulled without being implemented.
Q: What would you like to say on the articles which appeared in the New Light of Myanmar regarding this issue?
A: The ruling government must take responsibility for it. They must implement the result of the election that they held. It's not correct to say the result has been annulled without implementing it. And we don't know whether these articles reflect the government's opinion or not. Such articles are unlawful.
Q: You said you don't accept either the referendum or the 2010 election. What would you do for the 1990 general election result in future?
A: Ethnic people, democratic forces and the people do not accept the unilateral activities of the SPDC (junta). These pro-democracy forces will join hands together for the restoration of democracy, national reconciliation, ethnic unity and protecting ethnic rights. They will continue their struggle.
Q: What will your stand be in the future if the junta forcibly holds the 2010 election?
A: We must ask why the junta is operating unilaterally. We are sticking to our position and will adhere to this position.
Q: If they hold the new election forcibly does it mean annulling the 1990 election results?
A: They (junta) usually do that. But it is impossible to annul the 1990 election results.
Q: What else would you like to say on the 2010 election?
A: We don't accept 2010 election, referendum and constitution. We won't change our position and stand. We will join hands with like minded ethnic people and pro-democracy forces. We cannot allow what they are doing unilaterally.
Comrade Po Than Jaung (Spokesman, Communist Party of Burma)
The Communist Party of Burma was formed in 1939 as an underground political party during the struggle for independence. During its 69-year existence, it was a legally recognized party for just three years from 1945 to 1948. For the rest of the period it remained an underground party. It accepts the policy of having a multi-party democracy system in Burma.
Q: How do you see the election to be held in 2010?
A: The 2010 elections will be held in the framework of the recently approved constitution. The junta will use the elections to prolong their rule and to retain their political power. The 2010 elections will be incomparable to the 1990 general elections. In the 2010 elections, 25% of the parliamentary seats will be reserved for the Armed Forces. The parties and people will be able to contest only the remaining 75% of the seats. Moreover key positions and departments are being reserved for the representatives and nominees of the Armed Forces as well. Thus the 2010 election cannot change the nature of military rule in Burma. (maybe delete this next line, because I don't understand it) military dictatorship and military regime by seeing both number of people's representatives elected and the mandate conferred to them by this election.
Q: So how should the NLD stand in this new election?
A: We (The Communist Party of Burma ) does not tell other organizations how to act. We should not do it.
But I can say one thing. The NLD is different from other organizations. The people elected the NLD in the 1990 general elections. Thus their way of thinking may be different from others. They cannot do what other organizations can do (maybe what he said was: "they can do what other organizations cannot"? please check). The people are standing behind them. Other people and organizations do not have such an advantage. So we believe and hope that the NLD will explore ways to act accordingly after thinking through these circumstances.
Q: How will the CPB stand during the 2010 elections?
A:. When the junta holds the election, we should not boycott it. We should not leave all these parliamentary seats uncontested and surrender to the army officers to be manipulated by them as they wish. Moreover the people may have different ideas about this election. Some want to contest it and sit at the dinner table with the junta. We should encourage those who want sit at the same table with the junta. Let them enjoy their dinner happily. But some won't. Some are going to want to have dinner with junta at the same table with intention to confront them, face to face. I think we should also encourage them. I think the people should contest these elections. We should not have an indifferent attitude to these elections and we should not boycott them.
Q: Will the CPB participate in the 2010 elections?
A: Our party is not allowed to stand as over-ground and legal party. If we are allowed to stand as a legal party, we would certainly adopt the appropriate tasks and programmes of a legal party. We have explicitly said this to the junta since 1990. We want only the right to stand as a legal party just as other parties are able to. We haven't asked for anything more than that. Yet, at that time, some political parties such as 'Anti-Communists' and the 'Anti-Socialists' were allowed to register. But we were not allowed to do so.
Q: Will the CPB contest these elections under another name if the party is not allowed to participate?
A: CPB will stand only as the communist party. We have no intention to change the name of our party.
Q: Are the 'National Unity Party' (NUP) and 'Union Solidarity and Development Association' (USDA) likely to register and contest the 2010 elections?
A: I think so. The junta will try to get more pro-junta parties to contest the elections. They will force ceasefire groups to form political parties too.
Q: The ceasefire groups are being pressured by the junta to disarm if they want to form political parties and contest the elections. What do you think about the situation of these ceasefire groups?
A: They are in a different situation. It is understandable for some of them. They are quite different from other parties and organizations. So we should not expect them to act in the same way. And the situation of each organization is different from that of the others. Burma itself is not in an normal situation, it isn't running smoothly and normally. So we should recognize that there are varied political environments out there, and we should analyze each organization and each person in accordance to these different environments.
Q: There will be many parties contesting the 2010 elections. What do you think about the role of the NLD during the elections?
A: I think it depends on how they proceed from here. In my opinion, the NLD can survive only if they stand with the people peacefully. The NLD will not last long if they alienate the people.
Q: What will happen if the junta holds the 2010 elections like the recent constitutional referendum with vote rigging and other unfair policies?
A: In our opinion, the opposition should not be in a passive position with all the steps the junta has taken including their roadmap. We must do what we can with our own programmes and plans. At the same time, we need to counter what the junta does from time to time. But we should not dance to their tune on an ad hoc basis. Each organization must have our own plans and implement them.
Q: Will the 1990 general election result be annulled when the new political parties register for the 2010 general election?
A: Every party will act according to their own plan and programme. But the 1990 election result will be certainly annulled at that time if the junta so wishes. The junta has already announced that they no longer recognize the 1990 election result. It does not depend on our wish and will. We don't want to see the 1990 election result made void and annulled. But it is beyond our control, everything is in their hands. We need to consider what next steps to take.
U Nyan Win (Spokesperson, National League for Democracy )
The leader of NLD is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who is still under house arrest. NLD posted a landslide victory in 1990 general elections with over 82 per cent of seats. The party's activities and organizational work are strictly controlled and restricted by the junta.
Q: Will NLD contest the elections?
A: We cannot say anything at present. We cannot say yet whether we will contest the election or not.
Q: If NLD does not contest the election, how will your party play its political role in the future?
A: When we still can't say for sure whether we will contest the election or not, how can I talk about our future role.
Col. Gwan Mau (Kachin Independence Organization – KIO)
KIO, the largest force among Kachin people, attended the junta sponsored National Convention (NC) and also has an army which reached a ceasefire agreement with the junta. The KIO submitted its proposals on points to be amended in the draft constitution in the NC, but the junta turned down their proposals.
Q: What preparation is the KIO is making for the election to be held in 2010?
A: We haven't yet decided anything about the 2010 election. We cannot say yet what we will do. We haven't yet held any meetings to discuss this issue. We can say that we are still holding onto our previous position.
Q: What is your previous position?
A: We have a decision on this issue. If someone from our organization contests elections, he or she must resign from the membership of the KIO. No one can contest the election in the name of the KIO. This decision is still valid till today. We are still holding onto this position.
Q: As far as we know, KIO is contesting the election. Is it true?
A: Some members are talking about contesting the election. But these are just talk and personal opinions, the organization has not yet officially decided on it.
Q: What is the position and attitude of KIO on the 2010 election?
A: We are still supporting and encouraging the emergence of a party which can represent the Kachin people as a whole which should be supported by the entire Kachin populace. This party must be aloof and separate from all organizations, and must represent Kachin people.
Q: We have heard that the ceasefire groups have been ordered surrender arms. Is it true?
A: The SPDC (junta) hasn't yet officially communicated to us regarding surrendering arms. But we heard some rumours saying that there is a likelihood of being transformed to Sate and Border Police Force. KIO has time and again said that disarming and disbanding of the organization is not our position and it is not possible for us to lay down arms.
Nay Myo Wai (Individual, Rangoon)
Nay Myo Wai, an engineer from Myanmar Airways, who is presenting and disseminating his views which opposes the views of the opposition through internet and emails as an independent individual. He is preparing to contest in election to be held in 2010. He argues that it should pave the way for smart and right individuals rather than political parties. The people should question this issue, he said. He also believes there's no other alternative than conceding to the junta's roadmap.
Q: What preparations have you made for the 2010 election?
A: There will not be many parties in the 2010 election. I think there will be only three to five parties according to the situation for party registration rules and laws.
Q: Why do you say that?
A: Only a few people are interested in political parties as they are struggling for their daily livelihood. So people are not interested in politics and parties. A party must be strong in terms of party membership and organizational structure. Most likely, there will be only five parties at that time.
Q: Which parties they are likely to contest the election?
A: One of them is the 'National Unity Party' (NUP). Its membership has increased at the grass-roots level. The next party that is likely to be contesting is the 'Union Solidarity and Development Association' (USDA) which is likely to be transformed to a political party. It will be a strong party when the transformation takes place. Similarly, the NLD party is likely to contest the election, if not in the name of the party; they are likely to contest in the election in the name of another party with old NLD members. Another will be from the national political forces which can form a political party too. But it is hard to predict whether they can establish a political party or not at the national level. Anyway they said that they will try hard.
Q: Why did you say these parties will emerge?
A: It's now difficult to mobilize people to join politics. They are not joining politics. Many talk about USDA and its drawbacks and weaknesses. But they will now become one of the strongest parties. We found that they managed to get over 4,000 'Yes' votes in our ward polling station when they collected the voters' roll of over 18 eligible voters. Among these over 4,000 'Yes' votes, came from USDA members of whom one third are devoted members. We cannot underestimate their strength. As an American saying goes, 'Money is mother's milk in politics', we need money even for distributing the statements. We need financial might too.
Q: Do you believe this constitution will pave the way for genuine change?
A: I firmly believe it will pave the way for genuine change. Both I and my wife supported the referendum poll.
Q: Why did you believe this?
A: I believe this constitution will not last forever. There's nothing which will last forever and is immortal. So does the constitution which will be changed with time. It is the only viable way for us to go through for the time being. It will be useless to debate the constitution now. If I could have attended the 'National Convention' (NC), I would have said something. I dare say about 70% of 'Yes' voters really cast their 'Yes' votes, and it was not vote rigging. They thought very simply it will be better to put off all debate and arguments on the constitution.
Q: Why do you want to contest in this election as an independent?
A: I wish to be a MP. Only in this way, I can participate in policy matters in Parliament. A MP has political obligations. A MP can lead in establishing Parliamentary affairs committees. And also MPs can vote in any legislation. For instance, if the bill on right to bear arms is moved in Parliament, I will always cast 'Nay' Vote. I can propagate as I wish to among students on education. I can do many things as a MP. But I need finance to be in politics.
Spokesman (United Wa State Army – UWSA)
The strongest armed force only after the Burmese Army having even anti-aircraft guns and has a reached ceasefire agreement with the junta. They also enjoy special privilege from the junta in the areas they control. This organization is infamous for its drug production and trafficking. They firmly say they will not surrender.
Q: Will your organization contest the 2010 election?
A: UWSA has not yet decided on the issue. But when we decide to contest in the elections, our parent party 'United Wa State Party' (UWSP) may contest.
We haven't yet held any meetings to discuss the issue. And also the military junta has not yet said anything to us so we are still pursuing a wait and see attitude. If the situation compels us to contest elections, UWSP may contest.
Q: Can the UWSP represent all?
A: The UWSP is the mother unit of all Wa armed groups and controls all Wa ethnic armed groups. Moreover it represents at least 10 ethnic races in our controlled area. UWSP precedes the UWSA. So UWSP will decide everything.
Q: Can you say your party is certain to contest the election? How about being ordered to lay down your arms?
A: UWSP is likely to contest the election. But surrendering to the junta is out of the question.
Q: How about the opinion of Wa people in Wa State on elections?
A: Only few people were interested in the recently completed referendum. Similarly only few people are interested in elections too. Most of them are not interested.
Sakhon Tin Ying (New Democratic Army – Kachin) NDA-K
One of the Kachin armed groups which is close to the junta, mainly engages in business. It is a rival of the KIO and is worried about many Kachin parties contesting the election.
Q: Will your organization contest the 2010 election? Is it true your party will contest in another name?
A: No, it's not true. We will not change the name of our organization and contest directly. We won't change the name of our party and contest the elections. But we will support and encourage the emergence of a party which can represent the entire Kachin people to contest the election.
Q: How do you view the election?
A: The Kachin people should form a party and contest the 2010 election. Only in this way can they get representatives that they like.
Q: Do you expect the election will be free and fair?
A: It is premature to say now. If the people want the representatives that they like, they must form the party and contest the election.
Q: What do you mean by the party which can represent all the Kachin people?
A: We are encouraging and supporting the emergence of a political party which can represent all the Kachin people. We wish to contest in the election as a single and unified Kachin party. We don't want to see many parties contesting the election. We don't encourage such a thing. We need a single and unified party which can represent all Kachin people including all Kachin ethnic armed groups.
(We will present more interviews here)
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Our buyers are almost all from China, Russia, the Gulf, Thailand, India and the European Union, and we can barely keep up with their demand,"
A Burmese gem merchant in Mandalay
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