|
.gif)
|
 CRPP/NLD
|
|
|
Representatives
of the People elected to the Parliament in the 1990
multiparty democratic elections
(Committee Representing People's Parliament)
CRPP
Notification 14/2000
Note - Review the CRPP Statement 33 (5/99)
The multiparty democratic elections were held on the 27 May 1990 and today
is the 27 May of the year 2000. Exactly ten years have gone by since those
elections were held under the Multiparty Elections Law. The significant
provision of that law is that a Pyithu Hluttaw must be formed comprising
the legally elected representatives. The fundamental factor for the birth
of multiparty democracy is the existence of a Pyithu Hluttaw. Though ten
years have passed, the military dictators with no integrity have failed
to convene a Pyithu Hluttaw that is an integral part of the law which
they themselves proclaimed. How despicable, how loathsome this precedent
in our history and for the future generation!
Ten years is not a short period. Young children will have grown up, attained
knowledge, education, and understanding to a certain degree in this period
of time. They will have learnt to differentiate between right and wrong
and the consequences of dishonoring one's promises.
In the ten years that have passed, two or more parliaments could have
been in session. During that period legally elected representative of
the people and the national ethnic groups could have worked together and
achieved a measure of national unity. The ardent desire of the people
(a democratic system) would have taken root, a measure of prosperity accompanied
by better education, health and social standards would have been achieved.
The military dictatorship system imposed on the people since 1962 with
its constraints and restraints will never be expunged until the results
of the elections is honored and the Pyithu Hluttaw which the people elected
is put in place to work for the people, to fulfill the wishes of the people
and a democratic system is restored. But this Pyithu Hluttaw has not materialised.
Rust corrodes iron and power corrupts people. The military dictators have
no desire to create a democratic country which will generate wealth, health
and growth for all the people of the country because they are either so
void of good will or are completely engulfed in evil. They have reneged
and broken the Multiparty Democratic Election Law which they decreed and
refuse to convene the Pyithu Hluttaw. Consequently political, economic,
health, education and social problems are growing larger, deeper and more
confusing day by day.
On the subject of elections, the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law was promulgated.
From the 18 September 1988 (the date on which state power was illegally
usurped) continuously to this day the military dictators have clung to
power. For the purpose of examining what was said and what is being done
we first reproduce the words of the military junta's most powerful man,
Secretary 1 on the 11 September 1990 " xxx We have demonstrated our
desire to transfer power by successfully holding free and fair multiparty
democratic elections as scheduled. If we did not desire to transfer power
there would have been no need to hold these elections. This is clear xxx''
'' xxxxx If our desire was to grasp power in our hands till we die (meaning
forever) there is no reason whatsoever for us to endeavor so earnestly
like this. From the very beginning our intention was to transfer power
so we made it possible for the elections to take place. xxxxx" These
are the facts that followed:-1. Failure to convene parliament as required
by the Pyithu Hluttaw Elections Law.
2. In contravention of the Election Law, Order 1/90 was issued. Through
coercion and intimidation signatures of the political parties were obtained.
But the provisions of the said order were not fully complied with.
3. Instead of convening parliament, a national convention was put in place
to define the principles that should be embodied in a constitution. This
convention remains unfinished. The said National Convention's basic principle
which emphasis that "the army is responsible for leading the nation"
is directly opposite that of democracy and shatters the idea of "multiparty
system of democracy".
4. Tasks that must be performed for the benefit of the country (including
the drawing up of the constitution) is the responsibility of the representatives
of the people working together as a body in the Pyithu Hluttaw or delegated
by them to a group of experts on the subject.
5. Though this country is a member of the United Nations, there is no
regard or compliance with the decisions of the United Nations General
Assembly, United Nations Human Rights Commission, International Labour
Organisation. This country behaves as if it is outside the family of nations.
6. The people's genuine desire for democracy is scorned and disregarded.
7. After years of military tyranny where the ugly rule of the gun without
regard to law prevailed, a beam of light was released when the elections
were held. However that light is eclipsed and overshadowed now by increasing
persecution and injustices. 8. The administrators of the country have
shamefully reneged on their promises and the pages of our history are
blemished and ugly.
The military dictators have a duty to conduct themselves with dignity
and honor to the people and convene parliament. But what have they done.
They have vilified and persecuted the people's trusted representatives,
illegally thrown them into prisons, deceitfully incarcerated them and
resorted to all manner of disgraceful, low and mean tactics to suppress
them. To redeem themselves and regain some dignity the military dictators
should observe the provisions of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election law, abide
by their promises and put in place a Parliament. We urge them with great
feeling and force to take this step now.
The 1990 elections came about because there was no other way out but to
listen to the cry and great demand of the people for democracy. This is
the reason why a parliament must be put in place to satisfy the people's
demand.
No Pyithu Hluttaw means denying the people of their one desire. The longer
this desire is denied, the greater will the desire grow and consequences
can be formidable. Thousands of monks, laymen, students and the masses
individually took responsibility and made sacrifices for the 1990 elections
to eventuate. The result of that election will never be forfeited. No
new election will be accepted. This is our solemn declaration.
Committee representing People's Parliament
27 May 2000
|
