NLD Statement 8 in English

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
(97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 8(1/99)


For everyone's information, the directions given by the National League 
for Democracy to the organising committees in the towns of Yenangyaung 
and Chauk regarding the "unlawful entry and harassment at the offices of 
the party by members of the township election commission " is herewith 
published.

 (Start)
" Despite the use of every means and device  to get the NLD Organising 
Committees in Chauk township to resign, the authorities have failed 
because the members have displayed their solidarity and refused to cave 
in.

The authorities have now responded with vengeance and demanded an 
inspection of the records of town, ward and village committees. The 
township committee refused to submit their records under any 
circumstances for inspection in accordance with directions given by the 
Central Executive Committee.

It now appears that the authorities have resurrected the defunct 
Township Elections Commission to issue orders demanding the submission 
of all records of political parties and their branches within six days 
for scrutiny to examine whether they are operating systematically. 
Documents to be produced are incoming and outgoing letters, attendance 
registers, all other files and account books.

For the reasons given below, the resurrected Township Elections 
Commission has no jurisdiction and is not empowered under the Political 
Parties Registration Law to make such demands for inspection:-
(1) The Multiparty Elections Commission is not an administrative body, 
hence it has no power to interfere in matters of administration.
(2) The Multiparty Elections Commission was charged to attend to matters 
relating to the elections alone. After elections were completed which 
was 9 years ago, it has no more tasks to perform. It has no function in 
political matters.
(3) A commission is appointed for the performance of a specific project 
or business.

Therefore, the township organising committees are instructed that they 
are not obliged to acquiesce to the illegal demands of any authority." 		
(End)


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

12 January 1999





















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