3-9 May: The Increasingly Unlevel Playing Field of the Junta’s Elections

May 10, 2010

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On 7 May 2010, in accordance to the junta’s election laws, the National League for Democracy (NLD) ceased to exist as a legal political entity for its decision to abstain from the upcoming military elections. It is still unclear what steps will be taken against the NLD in regards to office closures or arrests. Already, there have been reports of a NLD member in Arakan State arrested and tortured, and another member attacked in Mon State at the order of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA).

U Tin Oo, vice chairman of the NLD, firmly reiterated the NLD’s commitment to working for the future of Burma. “The NLD is not forsaking the people and it will never turn its back on them,” he declared, “We will continue to work for freedom and democracy in the country by peaceful means.” The core of the party has dedicated itself to working on social programs with a political purpose.

This week, some members of the NLD have decided to found a new political party and register in the elections. The new party, the National Democratic Force (NDF), has stressed that it still allies itself with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD, but wants to continue political activities. The SPDC’s election laws have put NDF’s founders in a difficult position, forced to choose between having to go underground with the NLD and taking part in unfair elections. The NDF has stated that it has chosen to act as they believe will best serve the people of Burma, but the truth remains that the elections are heavily skewed in the junta’s favor.

The junta’s ‘social welfare’ organization, the USDA, began its electioneering effects well in advance of its party registration approval, including buying votes at 300 kyat a piece, making devotional offerings to elders, seeking wealthy allies for contributions and candidacies, and providing civil militia and vote canvassing training. The organization has recently registered as a political party—the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), headed by Prime Minister and former General, Thein Sein. The USDP is predicted by many in Burma to be successful in the upcoming elections despite general discontent with the party among the people, including those who have received benefits from the USDP in exchange for promises of votes.

Junta-allied groups are similarly attempting to capture the citizen’s vote by drawing upon imagery already associated with other political organizations. The fighting peacock, a long-time symbol for the NLD and the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, has been appropriated in the flags of two registered parties believed to have connections to the military: the Union of Myanmar Federation of National Politics and the 88 Generation Student Union of Myanmar.

It is clear that the 2010 elections are taking place on a highly uneven playing field. Under the current situation, international recognition of the election results will be a tacit acceptance of such an undemocratic election process, allowing violations of human rights and political freedoms to continue under a new “civilian” government still controlled by the military. The international community must choose whether to stand with the people of Burma in calling for genuine democratic elections or to allow for the junta’s show to continue.

In Solidarity,

Burma Partnership Secretariat