Week 15: 2010 Election Watch (15-21 June)

By Altsean-Burma • June 23, 2010

Developments

Political parties continued to voice concerns over the prohibitive costs imposed by the SPDC election laws. The Union Democratic Party released a statement that urged the SPDC to subsidize the 500,000 kyat (US$500) candidate registration fee, saying such a high fee prevents candidates from standing for election. In addition, the Union Democratic Party and the Democratic Party (Myanmar) said they could not publish election-related material because of financial constraints.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Karenni State forced youths over 18 to become members, and charged them 1,000 kyat (US$1) to join. SPDC authorities in Falam Township, Chin State, issued orders that at least one member from each family has to become a USDP member.
The SPDC Election Commission approved the registration of one more party. To date, the Election Commission has granted final approval to 33 parties to participate in the polls.
The Kachin State Progressive Party sent two delegates to meet with SPDC Election Commission members in Naypyidaw to inquire about the delays in the party’s registration approval.
The SPDC Election Commission issued a regulation that only allows registered political parties to display their party flags at party offices.

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This post is in: 2010 Elections