Remarks of political parties on the newly enacted Political Parties Registration Act
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NP News – Jan 27
The NP News hereby collects different comments and voices from the local political parties with regard to the newly enacted #Political_Parties_Registration_Act.
Arakan Front Party:
“First, every political party should consider how do we escape from the current political dilemma. We have to thoroughly consider if the election is the only way out of these dilemmas. If yes, the political parties will require to register within sixty days. We already have at least 1,000 party members. However, we have to try to have Ks. 100 lakhs.”
“So, there must be 100,000 members for the parties running at the Union level; and Ks. 1,000 lakhs in the bank account. In fact, there are a total of 330 townships. Therefore, it is meant to open at least 150 offices on a nationwide scale. The parties that registered as the Union parties will be turning into territory-based parties. So, we have to consider how our party members who are residing in other places will play. Will they run the election as independent candidates; especially for the position of Ethnic Affairs Minister? We have to take this into account." ( Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman)
Shan National League for Democracy:
“The ethnic parties will be able to run within their respective territory. They (ethnic parties) won’t be able to compete at the Union level. Not only the ethnic parties but also small parties from the mainland won’t be able to organize 100,000 party members. Other than the Union Solidarity and Development Party, it is impossible." ( Sai Leik, General Secretary)
Arakan National Party:
“Before, we were just required to apply for the registration with the registration fee of Ks. 500,000 and one thousand party members. Then, we can run on a nationwide scale. Now, it turns to Ks. 1,000 lakh and 100,000 party members. Then, we have to run half of all constituencies across the country. Therefore, as per the 2008 Constitution, there are 330 seats at the Pyithu Hluttaw. Therefore, the parties at the nationwide scale shall open offices in at least 165 townships. So, I would say the parties, which registered at the national level in the current situation, will be encountering difficulties as per this new law.” (Thar Tun Hla, Chairman)
New National Democracy Party:
“Most provisions aren’t much different from the former ones except for some terms and sections. According to this law, such a lower class having a manpower of under 100 members won’t survive. That’s, in other words, sounded good to reduce inflation of too many political parties,” ( Than Tun, Vice-Chairman)