CRPP Notification 33

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Committee representing members of People's Parliament elected in the 1990 
multi-party general elections
(Committee representing People's Parliament)

NOTIFICATION 33(5/99) (translation)

On the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the multiparty general
elections.

1.	The 27 May 1999 completes exactly 9 years since the multiparty
general elections were held.

2.	(a) 	The multiparty general elections is significant because it marks
the shift from a system where only one party or political organisation
can exist to a system where many political parties proclaim their
ideologies and form organisations for political activity. A multi-party
political system perpetuates democracy, which is founded on the
principle that people have a right to self-determination, and that
sovereignty lies with the people.  They must have the right to choose
which political ideologies and policies they want.
(b) 	In democratic elections, candidates are selected by the various
political parties to contest in the constituencies demarcated in
accordance with the election law. The candidates and the voters in the
electorate are bound by prescribed rules and regulations.
(c) 	The primary objective is that elections should be free and
fair. Election Commissioners and officers appointed to oversee and
supervise the elections must be impartial in their dealings with all the
contesting parties.  They must not in any way interfere or meddle with
the voters or the political parties. Political parties have the freedom
to campaign and should not be hampered in any way. No one has the right
to stop, hinder or prevent an eligible voter to cast his/her vote in
accordance with his/her own free will and desire.
(d) 	That everyone has the right to choose their representative in the
government through free elections is a basic and fundamental right that
is embodied in Article 21 of United Nation Declaration of Human Rights.

3.	Though nine years have gone since the holding of the celebrated
"multi-party democratic general elections", the authorities have not

only refused to follow through and transfer power but are hampering and
blocking the multi-party political system. Democracy in Burma has ceased
to exist. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (now State Peace
and Development Council) assumed state power in September 1988 and on 27 
September 1988 promulgated the Political Parties Registration Law
permitting the formation of political parties. Definitions stated
therein are "A political party means an organisation that accepts and
practices genuine multi-party democratic system" and " The election
means a multi-party democratic general elections." Another provision of
the law is " Only a political party that has been registered under this
law will be allowed to contest in the elections".  Out of the 93
political parties that contested only 10 parties remain valid today. The
authorities for sundry reasons have disqualified the other 83 parties.
Even the parties that fielded successful candidates in the elections
have been eliminated.

4.  	Out of 492 constituencies demarcated for the 1990 (May 27)
elections, polls could be held in 485. Of the 20,818,313 eligible
voters, 15,882,523 cast their votes (72.59%). The number of valid votes
was 13253606 (87.7%) while only 12.3% were invalid for various reasons.

5.	The above figures are an indication of the extent to which the
citizens of Burma are concerned about the government and the importance
of the choice they make and what democracy means to them.  But the State
Law and Order Restoration Council (now State Peace and Development
Council) have ignored the peoples wishes and shattered democratic
principles. No matter what country it be, when the will of the people is
tossed aside, those who govern will surely tumble.

6.  	The State Law and Order Restoration Council (now State Peace and
Development Council) held the 1990 multi-party elections as per the
provisions dated 31/5/89 of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, Rules, and
Regulations.

7.  	It is clearly stated in the law that  " Hluttaw means the Pyithu
Hluttaw".  (It does not state that it is a constituent assembly created
for the purpose of writing the constitution).  Furthermore, the law
provides that " the Hluttaw must comprise representatives elected by the
electorate in accordance with the provisions of this law (Pyithu Hluttaw
Elections Law)". Therefore, after the elections, the Hluttaw must be
convened and the peoples representatives must attend to carry out their
duties and responsibilities. Nine full years have gone since the holding
of those "free and fair elections" and though those responsible
authorities have announced and published the elected peoples
representatives specifying the electorates and the number of votes
gained by each individual the Pyithu Hluttaw has not emerged.

8.  	The authorities that made the law, rules and regulations for holding
the elections are primarily responsible for implementing them and
establishing the Pyithu Hluttaw. Responsibility lies also with those
representatives who have been chosen by the free will of the electorate.
They contested the elections with the firm belief that a Pyithu Hluttaw

would be created immediately after the elections and that they could
take up the tasks and duties as representatives of the people.  Had they
known then that no Hluttaw would be convened, they would never have
participated in the elections. Therefore, working towards the creation
of a Pyithu Hluttaw is the principal duty of honest Pyithu Hluttaw
Representatives to keep faith with their electorate.

9. 	It is nine years since the multi-party general elections (Pyithu
Hluttaw Elections). Nine years is much too long a period between one
general election and another according to international parliamentary
practice and the practice that was adopted at one time in Burma. During
this period, not only have the authorities flouted the will of the
people by not implementing the results of the elections, they have
meddled and disturbed the whole process of democracy and the entire
progress and advancement of the country. We now see the present
authorities launching out on a campaign similar to a military offensive
to destroy every vestige of the democratic process.  Pyithu Hluttaw
representatives from the NLD and the nationalities, many many members of
the NLD have been arrested, held in custody and pressured to resign.
Those who have resisted have been subjected to orchestrated
no-confidence demonstrations organised by threats and intimidation
against unwilling constituents. They are doing their utmost to destroy
and annihilate democratic rights.

10.  	Under these circumstances, it will be expedient to examine the
events of the past.
(a) 	The period after Burma got independence, though democratic rights had 
been obtained to a certain extent the country went through the early stages 
of democracy and political problems were not satisfactorily
solved. Some political parties resorted to arms and revolted. As regards
the nationalities, though an agreement was reached by the signing of the
Pinlong Agreement on the 12 February 1947, all the ethnic groups did not
participate so it was not complete.  In the administration of the Union,
the Pinlong spirit was not observed resulting in dissatisfaction and
revolts.
(b) 	Demands for genuine equality and equal rights for all members of the 
Union were still under discussion when the Tatmadaw grabbed the
opportunity to assume power in 1962. This and the following years were
specially significant because democracy waned, the number of ethnic
armed insurgent groups increased and the fires of civil war raged.
(c)	Today, though the authorities are proclaiming that 'cease-fire'
agreements have been entered into with different ethnic armed
insurgents, it is neither here or there because no political settlement
has been reached and both sides are watching the situation. On the other
hand many political parties from the nationalities participated in the
general elections of 1990, of which candidates from 17 parties were
successful. Now, the authorities have extinguished 12 of those parties.
This proves that they have no intention to discuss or consult the
representatives of these ethnic groups on matters relating to their
future.


11.  	The two main problems to be solved in Burma to day are the absence
of democracy and matters relating to the ethnic nationalities.  While
working towards the restoration of democracy, the nationalities problem
must be tackled. After the 8888 revolution when historical events
brought the democratic forces and the ethnic groups together, the
democratic forces became more aware of the problems that the ethnic
groups were experiencing. There is a better understanding of the problem
now. There should be recognition of equal status and individual rights.
This is the only practical way to achieve a democratic Union of all the
citizens of Burma.

12.	(a) 	But this concept has not been understood widely. It is
especially necessary for the Burmese majority group that has been in
control of successive governments to consciously accept the desires and
wishes of the minority ethnic groups. There should be no demarcations
based on population.  It is absolutely necessary that all citizens
should work together as equals with persistence to obtain equal rights
for all. Some people  unthinkingly say "once democracy is obtained we
can consider the rights of the nationalities".
      	(b) 	Amongst the nationalities there are those who put their rights
first, and the cause of democracy comes second. It is true that without
democracy, the rights and problems that the nationalities are
experiencing cannot be discussed or solutions found.  Equally true is
the fact that ethnic problems will not be solved automatically once
democracy is obtained. Long-standing problems have to be resolved
patiently and thoroughly with much deliberation.  Just as the democratic
forces should not entertain the idea that only after democracy is
established the ethnic problems will be tackled, the nationalities and
ethnic groups should not place their problems as a first priority before
the issue of democracy.  Starting from now, these two issues should be
tackled simultaneously.

13.  	Let us objectively study the ethnic problem even though it means
going against the current trend.  A mainstream argument is that
imperialists whose policy was to divide and rule created the problems.
There can be no truth in that. An honest analysis of this ethnic problem
will lead us to the conclusion that the problem is internal and not
external just as the saying goes "there can be no smoke without a fire".

14.  	It has been said that the British imperialists created the
dissension between the Shans, Kachins, Karens, Kayahs, Chins and other
ethnic groups causing disunity in the country.  Is this true?  Examine
the social, political and related problems of the Rakhines, Mons and the
Burman majority. In ancient times, the Rakhines and Mons established
empires with kings, feudal lords and all the trappings of royalty with a
long period of history and civilisation. They attacked and seized
territory from neighbouring Burma and vice versa.  In the next era,
under the imperialist system, Yakhines and Mons were the first to be
conquered and ruled by the British. In the struggle against the
imperialists, Rakhine and Mon leaders joined together with the Burmese

leaders until independence was gained. They did not place their own
people's problems or their own freedom first. They joined the YMBA,
Do-bama-asi-ayone (Thakin group) , Pha-Sa-Pa-La, and the Ba-Ka-Pa
organisations which embraced the whole of Burma and worked together.

15.  	But later, the Rakhines formed their own Arakan Unity Party
(Ya-Ta-Nya) and the Mons formed their own first group for collective
action known as Mon-Pyi-Ta-Oo to obtain their own state and to make
demands for the rights of their people. Later, they formed armed
insurgent groups.  Why did all this have to happen? Not one historian or
politician has ever claimed that this was due to the British Imperialist
policy of divide and rule.

16.	Therefore, to solve the ethnic problem in Burma today, we must
discard the ideas that we have clung to for over fifty years. We must
look at the real facts as they exist in Burma and look at the changing
situations in the world. We must realize that the problem of the
nationalities is linked to their origins and history, which goes back to
feudal times and the expansionist system and policies.

17.	The different nationalities and citizens of Burma have claimed
victory through various methods such as the colonial expansionist
system, fascism, one-party authoritarian rule, armed insurrection, and
people's revolution. Currently, the people are having to withstand this
evil military dictatorship and desire to demonstrate forcefully their
longing for human rights and democracy.  But just having the yearning is
not sufficient. The saying "strive for what you want" is most
appropriate here. All the citizens of the country must continue in the
struggle for democracy, which has not been completed. Victory must be
claimed under the leadership of the political parties. History recounts
great landmark victories won through peoples power. Therefore to rid
yourselves of all social problems, for the establishment of a
flourishing democratic Burma, full cooperation and support is necessary
for the Committee Representing the Peoples Parliament which has been
formed by the National League for Democracy and other political parties.

18.  	(a)  	Ever since the Tatmadaw assumed power in 1962, democracy
vanished but monks, citizens, ethnic groups have all endeavored to
restore democracy and rid themselves of the illegal pressure and
illegitimate government on several occasions.  Examples are:- "The
Students Incident", "Hmaing One Hundredth Birthday Anniversary
Incident", "U Thant Incident", " Workers Incident", "88 Revolution of
the Spirit Incident".
        	(b) 	Because of the "88 Revolution" the one party totalitarian
system was wiped out and the people's desire for a multi-party system
was allowed. The general elections were held. But the refusal to
establish a parliament comprising the peoples chosen representatives
amounts to flouting the will of the people. Though the Tatmadaw has
declared that it has "no desire to cling to power for a long period of
time" it is doing everything possible to annihilate the National League
for Democracy and the other democratic forces through pressure, threats
and intimidation which reflects their real intention not to relinquish

power. In fact and in truth they are like wolves in sheep clothing
because their real intention is to extend military control under the
guise of democracy. No matter what they do, history has proved that such
deceptions will not succeed.

19. 	Today, the people face immense suffering and yearn for a bright and
brisk open market economy. A political system that is not in conformity
with such an economy must naturally be destroyed. Those who are
deliberately putting obstacles to prevent the accomplishment of this
process will stand condemned by history. The authorities have not only
deceived the people in countless ways, they have tried to deceive the
world. Now that 9 years have passed since the elections and parliament
has not been convened, like the gourd that will not sink, their true
character is revealed.

20.  	For eight years, right up to 1998, the National League for
Democracy, other democratic forces and ethnic political parties have
repeatedly urged the authorities to enter into dialogue for national
reconciliation. This they have not done but have been making it appear
that it is the NLD's fault, and that it is the NLD that will not
participate in a dialogue.  Then again they are saying that if the
Committee Representing the Peoples Parliament is dissolved, those held
in detention will be released and they will proceed with dialogue. The
citizens of Burma and the whole world knows that the NLD and all the
other political parties of the different nationalities are serious about
dialogue and that only by dialogue and negotiation, reconciliation and a
better future will result. They have repeatedly issued statements
asserting this fact. It is only the SPDC that is placing all sorts of
obstacles and excuses because of their desire to retain power.

21.	Negotiations must be conducted on an equal footing.  Giving orders
and stipulating who can be present and who cannot be present is not
appropriate.  The NLD must have the right to freely select its
spokesman.  The important matter is that both sides must be fair minded
putting first the future good of the country to improve the economy,
education, social conditions etc. In the present day, there is no
problem or there should be no problem that cannot be solved if it is
approached with a willingness to learn how such problems have been
solved in other countries. Parties from the nationalities and other
democratic forces are urging and asking for dialogue.  The people who
are suffering immense hardships are also looking forward to the
restoration of a democratic system so that their problems can be
resolved. Countries of the world and the United Nations are repeatedly
urging that there be tripartite dialogue between the nationalities, the
SPDC and the NLD.

22. 	We again urge that a preliminary meeting of the NLD and the SPDC be 
held as a first step and then to tripartite dialogue so that we can
proceed towards a new era of democracy.

23.  	(a) 	Because we have not been able to create unity in Burma, there
are rifts and deterioration in the spheres of politics, economy,
education and social welfare.  All the people are facing a very bad and

tough time.  We need to be united to solve the problem. To build
national unity we must have the right national program. Today, the most
urgent and historically accurate program should be to promote democracy
and to find solutions to the problems of the ethnic nationalities.
Because democracy was wiped out in Burma, the people rose up and
rebelled.  Making this the reason, the one-party system was brought down
and the Pyithu Hluttaw Elections were held. But though nine years have
passed there is no Pyithu Hluttaw.
(b) 	Therefore, convening a Pyithu Hluttaw is the key to the solution of all 
the problems we face today.  Suitable and appropriate procedures can
be put in place after thorough discussions and consultations in the
Pyithu Hluttaw and decisions can be made. Only in the Pyithu Hluttaw
issues relating to the problems of the ethnic should be discussed and
arrangements may be made for a convention in which all the nationalities
can participate and openly discuss matters. To implement this, the NLD
and the SPDC should first meet and discuss and then arrange for
tripartite dialogue.  There must be mutual respect and dignity at the
discussions. This will enhance our reputation in the eyes of the world.
(A notification relating to meetings and discussion and the convening of
the Pyithu Hluttaw has been published)

24.	  The resolutions taken at the 1998 NLD convention and the action
taken by the Central Executive Committee will be given here.
(a) On the 27th May 1998, the 8th anniversary of the multi-party
election, the NLD held its annual convention. Despite the many
difficulties important political resolutions were made.
Resolutions
(1) This convention authorises the Central Executive Committee to fix
the final date for convening of parliament and information to the 
authorities should be given soon.
(2) The NLD cannot accept a constitution that is not drawn up in
accordance with democratic principles and against the wishes of the people.
(3) Disregarding the results of the 1990 general elections and holding
new elections is entirely unacceptable to the NLD.
(4) The NLD will always keep the door open for dialogue and
negotiation to solve problems of the state.
(5) The authority given to the Chairman and the General Secretary to
operate and perform the business of the NLD is extended.

(b) 	Of all the resolutions taken the first resolution relating to the
convening of the Pyithu Hluttaw is most important. The Central Executive
Committee in implementing the resolution sent a letter on the 23 July to
the authorities asking for the convening of parliament within 60 days.
It also discussed this matter with 4 political parties of the
nationalities and obtained their approval. Information about this was
also given to Bohmu Aung's Democracy group.
(c) 	This was a step taken to enable the emergence of a Pyithu Hluttaw in 
the best possible manner but sixty days passed and the authorities
simply ignored the request. What did emerge were the true colors of the
SPDC. They rounded up over 200 elected parliamentarians, numerous NLD
party members, leaders and parliamentarians of ethnic parties and kept

them in detention.
(d) 	Notwithstanding, the NLD Central Executive Committee, to fulfill the 
task and responsibility placed on them at its 1998 convention and to 
implement the will of the people, formed a legally constituted committee
together with four political parties of the nationalities which is now
known as the Committee Representing the Pyithu Hluttaw. This Committee
has the mandate from 251 NLD and Nationalities parties.
(e) This committee has been engaged in examining the current laws and making 
recommendations for annulment of archaic laws and review and
amendment of laws that do not benefit the people. It has exposed the
illegal activities of the authorities by publications for all to know.
Moreover, it held a ten-man committee meeting on the 10 December and
formed sub-committees for particular parliamentary subjects so that
issues can be widely deliberated on.

25. 	(a) 	The National League for Democracy has from its inception worked 
closely with the parties of the nationalities especially the United
Nationalities League for Democracy, to perpetuate democracy. This is
because, the present situation requires that urgent solutions be found
for the problems of democracy and ethnic groups.
(b) 	After the NLD had been created there was constant contact and
consultations with parties of the ethnic groups and the United
Nationalities League. This enabled them to put out a joint Bo Aung Gyaw
Statement on issues relating to democracy and equality of status. For
the emergence of a Hluttaw, the Shan Natonalities League for Democray,
the Arakan League for Democracy, the Mon National Democratic Front and 
theZo-me National Congress are working jointly with the National League for 
Democracy to achieve equal status in a Union that will be created in the
future.  In this way avenues were opened for discussion of problems that
have not been solved ever since independence and the possibilities for
solutions are greater.

26. 	There is a need for such and similar efforts to meet and cooperate
with other democratic forces.

27.  	This relates to the policy of self-interest.
(a) 	In 1999, the authorities have gone to the limit to pressure and
threaten members of parliament and ordinary members of the NLD and
nationalities and behaved outrageously towards them. More than 200 NLD
members of parliament and numerous other members, leaders and members of 
ethnic parties have been arrested and incarcerated. Branch offices of
the NLD have been ruthlessly and illegal demolished. They have forced
Pyithu Hluttaw members to resign and when they were unsuccessful in
their efforts, they have orchestrated sham demonstrations against them.
The stormy political climate has turned into a hurricane.
(b) 	Under such circumstances it is to be expected that some politicians 
become infected with the germ of self-interest and opportunism.  This 
applies to a very minute proportion of NLD members. No matter how small that 
number may be it is a fact that one drop of infected blood will
invite the disease into the system.  It has to be eliminated. Moreover,
the two policies, (NLD's policy, to stand by the people and the policy

of self-interest) must be clearly distinguishable.  Those
self-interested persons are condemning the NLD's attempt to create a
Pyithu Hluttaw and are following the line and voice of the authorities.
(c) 	According to them, we will have to wait until the authorities
convene the Pyithu Hluttaw be it 8 or 80 years. They say that demolition
of NLD township offices, resignations of parliamentarians, arrests and
detention are the result of a wrong move by the League.  The fact is
that the League's actions are to implement the will of the people and it
cannot be wrong. The activities of the authorities can be compared to
the story of the wolf and the lamb - if you are not him you must be the
father or the grandfather, ..... so the story goes. Those self-serving
people should be aware that just as they have destroyed other political
parties in the past they are attempting to do the same to the NLD.
(d) 	Those persons have written that "The NLD, instead of attempting to 
convene parliament on its own, should be seeking a negotiated settlement 
with the government and that is what the legally constituted political 
parties and other organsiations are anticipating."  They are not aware that 
one nationality party stated repeatedly that "whether the
government or the NLD convene the Pyithu Hluttaw, it is our duty to
attend". They are pretending not to know the wishes of the other
political parties and the people. They make statements to suit their own
ends and it is very obvious that they are political opportunists only
concerned with the interest of themselves and their families.  They will
suffer the ire of the people. As for the NLD we will continue to march
on to fulfil the will of the people, to establish a Pyithu Hluttaw and
to perpetuate democracy till we claim victory.

28.	(a) 	While we continue the fight for democracy, human rights, rights of 
the nationalities we urge members at all levels (Central, Township,
Village/Ward) to conform to the policies and programs keeping national
interest first and to stand firm, with unity and steadfastness. We must
work single-mindedly to obtain unity and solidarity. Organizing
systematically without ostentation should be adapted widely which means
that the organisation must be systematic and reach out to the people as
widely as possible.
(b) 	Because the NLD's present policy is correct and in accordance with the 
will of the people we will continue to have the support of the
people. While we have the support of the people the authorities can
never succeed in breaking us no matter how much they persist. The
National League for Democracy will never weaken or be destroyed.  In
fact we are stronger now than ever before and soon we will claim
victory.


Committee representing People's Parliament

Rangoon
May 27, 1999

(Responsibility for distribution and publication is taken by the NLD).



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com