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NLD Statement 46/2000:

National League for Democracy
No: (97/B), West Shwegonedine Road
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Statement 46 (4/00) (translation)

The National League for Democracy was duly registered under the Political Parties Registration Law passed on the 27 September 1988 by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (now State Peace and Development Council).
The Multi-party Elections Commission allowed registration of the party under the provisions of Section 5 (a) of the said law.

Section 5 states that :-
" the commission shall scrutinize an application for registration to see if all the requirements of the law are fulfilled and then it may either register or refuse to register the party."
It is obvious that registration was permitted after proper scrutiny.
Section 3 sets out the disqualifying features which are:-
(a) An organisation that has been declared illegal under any existing law.
(b) An organization that is in armed revolt against the state.
(c) An organization that is directly or indirectly obtaining and using
money, buildings, vehicles or other goods belonging to the state.
(d) An organization that is directly or indirectly receiving and using
funds, properties or support from a foreign government, religious or other
institution.
(e) An organization that is exploiting a religion for political purposes.
(f) An organization composed of members of the military, police force or any other defense service, or members of the civil service including government boards or corporations and any other institution whose members receive their salary from the government treasury.

It is very clear that the National League for Democracy was granted registration because it was completely free from the above elements and it remains to this day as a valid and duly registered political party.

Moreover, it is apparent and transparently clear that the National League for Democracy complies with the provisions of Section 2 (a) in which " a political party is defined as one which adopts and practices genuine democracy". The aims and objectives of the NLD are :-· to work for the establishment of a genuine democratic government that will guarantee basic human rights in accordance with the wishes of the people

· to lay the foundation for the continuation of a strong and firm democratic system that fulfills the wishes of the people and theestablishment of a firm and lasting Union of Burma.

· to strive for the abolishment of autocracy so that despotism can never raise its head again.

Section 4 of the Political Parties Registration Law provides " Only a duly registered political party shall have the right to participate in the general elections". The NLD was one of the participating political parties in the elections on 27 May, 1990 and won 392 seats representing 82%. The NLD is not only a valid political party, it has the support of an overwhelming majority evidenced by the landslide victory in secret ballot.
If the military dictators conscientiously observe the rule of law, they will honor the results of the elections in accordance with the provisions of laws made by them.

But, today, the military despots are acting in direct contravention to the rule of law, rule of natural justice, the wishes of the people, and with complete disregard to the loud protests and condemnation voiced by the international community, they continue their unjust and despicable offensive to annihilate the National League for Democracy.

The masses are currently suffering great poverty and depression. They have had to sell out their lands, their implements and their draft animals and now have been reduced to a state where they have to share their resources using unmatched animals ( a buffalo and a cow) to plow their fields and thus maintain themselves.

When the people are in such an impoverished state and have little or no knowledge of law, the military autocrats unjustly resort to disgraceful tactics threatening and demanding payments by way of penalties and other illegal methods to benefit themselves.

The truth is that in their heart of hearts, the masses desire democracy and have faith in the National League for Democracy and demonstrated this overwhelmingly in the elections. This faith and support has not changed.

The military dictators have terrorized the people with their power and military might and instilled such fear in the masses and are now using that fear as a weapon to annihilate the unshakable legally constituted National League for Democracy.

As a matter of fact, while in authority, the military power-holders should be discharging their duties equitably and strictly conforming to the rule of law. Instead of which, they not only break the law, but are systematically forcing and instructing the people to commit acts in violation of the law which does not augur well for the country's future.

Global interaction is the current trend. No one country can act according to its own whims and fancies. Actions that conflict with progress and modern ideas are noticed and will certainly be condemned.

The National League for Democracy is a party that represents the masses and it has the duty to scrutinize, debate and make statements about the wrong doings, evil policies, sham demonstrations, violations of the law,self-serving projects, the persecutions and brutal treatment of fellow citizens by the military regime.

The military authorities cannot countenance such legal performances and the distasteful action taken by them in Taungtha and Myingyan townships (Mandalay division) is evidenced by the annexed form which the masses have been forced to sign to enable the closure of the NLD organising committees there.

We publish this statement to advise the authorities that their actions constitute offences for which legal action can be taken. They offend the provisions of the Registration of Political Parties Law and illustrate the wanton and presumptious actions of those holding power.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
6 April 2000

Form

By signing this we are indicating our withdrawal of support for the above ground insurgent organisation (NLD) and desire its dissolution.

Mandalay division , ................................ township,
............................ward/village tract, ................. village.

Name of head of household, name,father's name, national registration
number, date of birth, address, signature.
............................................................................