Some parties likely to reject commission offer of land, cars

Some parties likely to reject commission offer of land, cars

By Ei Ei Toe Lwin and Ye Mon   |   Monday, 02 June 2014

An offer of support to political parties from the Union Election Commission has divided the opposition, with some parties, including the National League for Democracy, expressing scepticism about the commission's motives.

Last week the President's Office confirmed that the UEC had written to President U Thein Sein seeking his support for a plan to provide land for party offices, and to allow parties to import up to five vehicles tax-free.

The commission says it made the request after consultations with the parties in which they outlined the kind of support they needed. But others suspect the offer of support could be a cover for further restrictions on their activities.

U Sai Nyunt Lwin from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy said while the party has not officially ruled out accepting the assistance, most of its members are opposed to the idea.

They suspect that the offer is linked to a controversial draft directive on political campaigning that the UEC recently released.

"We want to be able run our party freely and some members suspect that if they accept this assistance then it will be at the cost of having to accept restrictions on political parties, such as the new campaign rules," he said. "They think that is why the UEC is now offering these opportunities to political parties."

The NLD also said it would not accept any material assistance offered by the commission.

"We won't accept these rights if they offer it," spokesperson U Nyan Win said on May 30. "I formed a political party to do politics, not for getting benefits like this."

However, most parties welcomed the news and they said they would accept land and car import permits if they are offered.

"We will accept this support if the government is genuine. In other countries the government budget allocates funds to support political parties depending on the ratio of parliamentary representatives," said Shan Nationalities Democratic Party leader U Sai Aik Paung.

U Han Shwe from the National Unity Party also supported the UEC plan. "The political parties requested this when they met with the UEC and the president. Some poor parties need this kind of help," he said.

U Saw Tun Aung Myint, head of the Kayin People's Party, said his party would ask members whether it should accept the offer.

"In my personal view, the offer is acceptable if is made in good faith," he said.

UEC members could not be reached for comment last week. It remains unclear how the commission would stop people from registering a political party simply to gain access to free land and import permits.

There is historical precedent for such a problem. In 1990, 235 political parties registered to contest the poll, and commentators have noted that some did so because of offers of fuel concessions and telephone lines. Many later pulled out of the race, with only 93 fielding candidates on election day.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/06/03/some-parties-likely-to-reject-commission-offer-of-land-cars/