Burma Army Flexes its Muscles in Political Purge

In a dramatic development on the August 12, Parliamentary Speaker, Shwe Mann was ousted from his position as Chair of the ruling party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Security forces surrounded USDP headquarters in Naypyidaw and purged the influential political figure from his position within the party. Information Minister, Ye Htut, stated that his close relationship with National League for Democracy (NLD) leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as support for constitutional change that would reduce the power of the Burma Army was behind his ouster […]

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Travels Outside Rangoon Despite Regime’s Threats

Today, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi flew to the ancient city of Bagan in Mandalay Division for a personal trip with her son Kim Aris, marking her first time outside of Rangoon since her release from house arrest in November last year. The first of the leader’s planned trips, it came less than a week after the regime issued threats against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD).

On 28 June, Daw Suu and NLD Chairman U Aung Shwe received a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs pressuring the party to cease their “unlawful” activities. State-run New Light of Myanmar followed up the letter with a commentary quoting the threatening letter: “If they really want to accept and practice democracy effectively, they are to stop such acts that can harm peace and stability and the rule of law as well as the unity among the people including monks and service personnel.” […]

Burma: A Violent Past to a Brutal Future

This report looks at the history of the junta-backed social organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), and its transformation to the political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). It documents how the USDA’s legacy of violence, manipulation, domination, and repression has since been transferred to and continued by the USDP in their election campaigning […]

Key Stakeholders Explore the Reality on the Ground of Burma’s Military Elections

Speakers representing central stakeholders in Burma spoke today about how the elections next Sunday will not improve the situation on the ground in Burma. They spoke about the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party’s (USDP) manipulation of the polls, the National League for Democracy’s ongoing efforts for genuine democracy, escalating attacks against ethnic nationalities and the resistance of students and youths against the upcoming elections […]

Timely Report Documents the Transformation of Burma’s Military Regime’s Paramilitary Organization to Political Party

The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD) released a report today entitled, “Burma: A Violent Past to a Brutal Future; The Transformation of a Paramilitary Organization into a Political Party.” The report looks at the history of the junta-backed social organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), and its transformation to the political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

The report’s release comes in the final week before the first elections in Burma in 20 years, polls that have been widely criticized as being not free or fair […]

Week 19: 2010 Election Watch (13-19 July)

Developments

• The SPDC granted permission for the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) to dissolve. All USDA assets have been transferred to the Union Solidarity and Development Party, led by SPDC PM Thein Sein […]

USDA Disbands, Paving a Dreadful Path for USDP Dominance

Last week, Burma’s military regime began dividing the assets of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) from those of its political counterpart, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), headed by Prime Minister Thein Sein. The USDP has come under fire from critics and opposition parties for its lack of regard for election regulations but the association’s move to separate assets appeared to be a token step towards transparency. Indeed, a senior military official noted that the “[USDP] will purchase buildings, vehicles and office equipment from the association. They need to do it according to the election law[…]

Burma: Military Party Guaranteed to Dominate Elections

Merger of Two Junta-Backed Groups Undercuts Genuine Participation

The merging of Burma’s largest government-controlled social welfare organization into the army’s recently formed political party is clear evidence that the planned 2010 elections will not be legitimate, Human Rights Watch said today […]

Week 17: 2010 Election Watch (29 June-5 July)

Developments

• The Difference and Peace Party said that it may decide not to compete in the elections because of the SPDC Censorship Board’s media restrictions […]

Week 14: 2010 Election Watch (8-14 June)

Developments

• The SPDC Election Commission approved the registration of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. To date, the Election Commission has granted final approval to 32 parties to participate in the polls […]
June 16, 2010  •  By Altsean-Burma  •  Tags: Altsean-Burma, Union Election Commission, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Union Solidarity and Development Party, United States  •  Read more ➤