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 18: 2010 Election Watch (6-12 July)

Developments

• Union Solidarity Development Party officials requested that village headmen in Mudon Township, Mon State, recruit 40 to 50 villagers in each village to join the party […]
July 14, 2010  •  By Altsean-Burma  •  Tags: Altsean-Burma, Difference and Peace Party, Kachin State Progressive Party, Khami National Development Party, National Democratic Force, Union Election Commission, Union Solidarity and Development Party  •  Read more ➤

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 […]

Junta’s Handpicked Election Commission Issues Unjust Directive

On 21 June, the military regime’s handpicked Union Election Commission issued a directive banning marching, holding flags and chanting during political parties’ campaigning rallies. Parties wishing to hold a public event or speech must seek approval from a local sub-commission at least one week in advance […]

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 ➤

Wasteful Spending and Election Law Violations Continue to Mark the Junta’s Election Campaign

Recent reports of Burma’s nuclear program continue to reverberate throughout Burma’s political spheres and the international community. Opposition parties recently came out in strong opposition to the junta’s wasteful spending on its attempts at producing nuclear weapon technology rather than allocating it towards its woefully skeletal health and education budgets.[…]

Statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Founding of Restoration Council of the Shan State

1. The Constitution which was written by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in 2008 is not recognized and endorsed by Restoration Council of the Shan State (RCSS) because it does not coincide with the desires of the Shan State people. Thus the planned 2010 elections based on the 2008 constitution is also not supported and accepted by RCSS.[,,,]

Week 11: 2010 Election Watch (18-24 May)

Developments

• SPDC and USDA officials campaigned for the Union Solidarity and Development Party in Namkham and Kengtung Townships in Shan State, collecting household lists and forcing everyone over the age of 15 to join the USDA […]
  May 26, 2010  •  By Altsean-Burma  •  Tags: Altsean-Burma, EU, Union Election Commission, Union Solidarity and Development Party  •  Read more ➤

“Democracy” in Burma Exemplified by USDP’s Manipulative Electioneering

As Burma moves closer to still unannounced election date, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is moving ahead in full force with its electioneering efforts across the country. Reports of election canvassing and vote buying arose well in advance of party registration, but USDP’s registration approval has allowed for even more extensive electioneering throughout ethnic areas.[…]

Prime Minister, Ministers Set to Resign

Prime Minister Thein Sein and other government ministers who are leaders of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) will resign from their government posts this month, according to sources in Naypyidaw […]