Political party splits over financial issues

by Myint Maung
Tuesday, 04 August 2009 22:13

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The National Political Party (Union of Myanmar), formed to contest the 2010 general elections, has split with Myo Thant, in-charge of the organising committee of Pakokku Township branch and several other members quitting because of financial mismanagement.

“The main problem revolves around the fact that we are unaware of the income and expenditure of the party. We have a deficit of about Kyat 4 million (approximately USD 3333), which was meant for party work. But when we raised the issue with the central executive committee, it refused to take any responsibility. The CEC hinted that we would have to bear our own expenses,” Myo Thant told Mizzima.

Myo Thant added that the central executive committee had not elaborated on party activities. He felt that he was a victim of conspiracy by other members along with central committee members.

“I raised the issue at our meetings. I told them that though we claim to be a democratic party, we do not adhere to democratic norms. But my suggestions were rejected. I told them that if suggestions by a CEC member are rejected, there is no point in continuing,” Myo Thant said.

The National Political Party (Union of Myanmar) is one of the few groups that believes the junta’s 2010 general election, which several opposition groups, including the National League for Democracy have dubbed as a sham, is the only solution to Burma’s political impasse.

Myo Thant said, with several members of the party from Pakokku withdrawing their membership, he will contest the 2010 election as an independent.

He also said the signboard of the National Political Party (Union of Myanmar), which was put up on July 1, 2008 has been pulled down.