Supporting Statement for NLD Decision to Boycott Regime’s Election; Enough is Enough

By Ten Alliances • March 30, 2010

We, the members of the Ten Alliances for democracy and ethnic rights in Burma, whole-heartedly support the NLD who collectively decided not to register or participate in the SPDC’s 2010 elections. Instead of bowing to the regime’s undemocratic election laws and flawed constitution, the NLD is standing with the desires of the people of Burma. The people of Burma deserve genuine national reconciliation and true democracy that will lead to peace and stability, and not a skewed SPDC selection that will perpetuate military rule.

The Ten Alliances represent the most broad-based and multi-ethnic cooperation of political and civil society organizations from inside and in exile working for national reconciliation, peace and freedom of Burma. The historic decision of the NLD conforms with Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s call to “refuse any and all unjust laws”, as well as the position of many ethnic nationalities that have been fighting for justice, equality, democracy and self-determination for decades.

After suffering for 20 years under the military regime, the NLD party, the ethnic nationalities and the rest of the movement for democratic and ethnic rights, are now saying “enough is enough.” The people of Burma as well as a loud consensus of the international community again and again have demanded genuine democratic progress.

We call on the international community to continue to clearly support the NLD and all those in Burma who push for true democracy. We remain firm on the necessary benchmarks and solutions for genuine change in Burma. The junta must unconditionally release all political prisoners, cease attacks against ethnic communities and democracy activists, and engage in inclusive political dialogue including a review of the 2008 Constitution.

The announcement of the restrictive undemocratic election laws are a sign from the SPDC that they are not interested in opening political space or engaging in political dialogue. The international community must denounce and reject the elections unless the regime changes course and meets the benchmarks. The international community must also match their voices of concern with measures of credible action.

The struggle for freedom, democracy, and ethnic rights has endured tremendous barriers, including imprisonment, torture, harassment as well as widespread and systematic human rights violations. There has been resistance in all levels of society regardless of age, gender, social status, ethnicity, or occupation, and there will continue to be resistance. There are some who believe that unless the NLD is legal, it cannot fight for the people of Burma. In a country ruled by an unjust regime that singlehandedly sets forth unjust laws and imprisons those who fight for democracy, we must remain committed to the side of justice. No matter what happens, whether recognized or unrecognized by the military regime, the NLD as well as the Ten Alliances will continue to work for what the people of Burma deserve and need—true national reconciliation and democracy.

CONTACT:

Hkun Oakker – National Council of the Union of Burma +66 (0) 81 950 2158
Dr. Naing Aung – Forum for Democracy in Burma +66 (0) 81 883 7230

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