Quietly Burma’s government has responded to the National League for De3mocracy’s *Shwegondaing Declaration. Armed security forces have been taking positions around the city of Rangoon and other areas within Burma. Some people are critical of the NLD response to Than Shwe’s election plans, most notably Burmese political analyst Aung Naing Oo was quoted as saying;
“If the NLD considers itself a revolutionary group, then they should clearly reject the junta’s elections on grounds that it would be manipulated, but if they consider themselves a political party, it would be wise for them to contest the elections.”
I approached Myo Thein, Director of Burma Democratic Concern and posed the question about the uncertainty of the National League for Democracy’s stance. I also addressed the concerns of complacency by the NLD. Myo Thein issued a clarification in this statement.
The position of the National League for Democracy:
(a) Release of All the Political Prisoners
(b) Review of the Draft Constitution (2008) which are not in accord with democratic principles.
This is referring to the cases such as military is taking 25% of the seats, military commander is in absolute authority and military can dissolve the parliament any time, etc. Here, NLD is meant to amend such things. (Undemocratic)
(c) NLD’s offices should be reopened immediately together with those of the parties of ethnic nationalities.
NLD is demanding that the junta to reopen all party offices.
(d) Recognition of the result of the 1990 Election
Here what NLD means is to reconvene the people’s parliament based on 1990 elections result which can be translated as the recognition of 1990 elections results.
(e) Political Dialogue
Agenda of the dialogue envisaged by the League is as follows:
(1) Dialogue by the decision makers (Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Than Shwe).
(2) Dialogues issues
equal opportunities for the ethnic nationalities:
release of all political prisoners :
review of the 2008 Constitution;
recognition of the People’s Parliament which is the result of 1990 election (the next step of the election is to allow to convene people’s parliament to election wining party);
issues of the elections of the future:
development of the living condition of the people
(3) To arrange to recognize the result of the 1990 elections
Here NLD meant to say that allow us the convene parliament which can be translated as recognizing 1990 election result. At the parliament, we will approve the outcomes of the dialogue.
(4) All the stake holders to follow unitedly the political course for the future delineated by the agreements of the dialogue as adopted by the People’s Parliament.
Here NLD meant to say that we are ready to cooperate with you.
(f) Attitude towards the Possible Future Elections
The following are the NLD’s minimum conditions required to determine whether or not to participate in the 2010 election. Areas of concern are;
IF the military junta unilaterally conducts the proposed elections under the conditions prescribe by their own plan.
And;
IF:
(1) All the political prisoners unconditionally released,
(2) The provisions of the (2008) Constitution were amended,
(3) All inclusive free and fair general election were held under international supervision:
Then it intends to participate in the elections only after gravely considering as a special case and after studying the coming Party Registration Act and the Laws relating to the Elections.
Myo Thein
Director
Burma Democratic Concern
Clearly Gen Than Shwe was using extortion tactics in forcing the hand of the NLD and to a major extent they needed to issue a response. After reading Myo Thein’s response to my query it is obvious the NLD is still holding fast the core tenets of their position.
With security forces moving into position at this juncture I question the junta’s motives since strong arm tactics have always been the rule of thumb in dealing with any form of opposition.
The stage is set for a test of wills and hopefully the junta will choose the mature and progressive route in resolving the issue of reconciliation. Bloodshed only led Burma down the path of social and economic ruin. It is far cry from the gem of the Orient she once was. With the world watching the outcome is yet to be determined.
* http://www.mizzima.com/news/election-2010/2044-nld-sets-pre-conditions-for-role-in-elections.html
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
