|
.gif)
|
 CRPP/NLD
|
|
|
Representatives
of the People elected to the Parliament in the 1990
multiparty democratic elections
(Committee Representing People's Parliament)
Notification
No 33/1999
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).
|
