Pro-democracy committee tells UN to stay away from 2010 elections

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Mar 13, 2009 (DVB)–A committee comprised of representatives of parties that won the 1990 elections has said that international observers should attend the proposed 2010 elections only when all parties are allowed to contest.


The comment was made by the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament secretary, Aye Thar Aung, at a meeting on 12 March in Rangoon.

CRPP members discussed how the UN would regard an election which doesn't include parties that won the 1990 election.

"We discussed whether there is a situation where the State Peace and Development Council would amend the constitution,” said Aye Thar Aung.



“If not, what will the consequences of the 2010 election be, especially when the UN and international community have urged that all political parties, ethnic national groups and pro-democracy groups should be included in the 2010 election?”

The CRPP had already decided not to contest the election unless the 2008 constitution is amended.

UN special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, has however urged the sending of observers to Burma next year.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein hinted at the ASEAN summit that the SPDC would accept them, throwing into question whether the UN is accepting the legitimacy of the elections given the presence of observers.

"When it comes to that, it is not about whether the 2010 election is free and fair,” said Aye Thar Aung. “The 2010 election depends on the amendment of 2008 constitution.”

“Therefore, it won’t matter whether the election is observed by the UN or EU or not if the 2008 constitution is not amended.”

Furthermore, the SPDC has been encouraging business owners to set up parties and contest the election, as well as carrying out surveillance activities on some NLD township offices, Aye Thar Aung said.

Reporting by Htet Aung Kyaw