AFPFL-like split unnecessary

Thursday, 25 March 2010 16:32 Yan Nyein Aung (Commentary)

(Mizzima) - The Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) split into two factions, those who believed the league should be cleaned, led by U Nu and Thakhin Tin, and another group prioritizing the stability of the party led by Ba Swe and Kyaw Nyein. The division, unfortunately, is something Burmese are well familiar with, originating at least as far back as the anti-colonial campaign.

Today we are witnessing two opinions within the National League for Democracy (NLD), which is struggling for democracy and human rights in Burma and which won the 1990 general elections. The division is between a group of activists who see the cleanliness of the party's spirit and dignity as a priority, and other members who see it as important for the party to survive and remain stable under the oppression of the military regime.

When the military junta issued the political party registration and electoral laws, many political activists were thrust into an unexpected environment. The NLD has since said it stands by the principles enshrined in the Shwegondaing Declaration.

Yet the party’s survival hangs in the balance. According to the junta’s laws, the NLD must choose to sack its beloved leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, if the party wants to stand legally, since the laws prohibit a prisoner from serving as member of a legal political party. And more importantly, any registered party must commit to honor the constitution of Burma, of which the NLD has consistently demanded a review.

Aung San Suu Kyi's position is quite clear. She is opposed to the laws since they are unjust and fail to meet imposed standards; which literally means she is willing to continue to fight the imposition of unjust laws even if it means the end to her own party. Nonetheless, she is said to have confirmed that she will follow a majority decision of party members, as she stands for democratic principles.

Yet, if a majority of party members decide to call for her to join the proposed elections it can be questioned whether she should continue to stick with such colleagues. Leaders of this group believe Aung San Suu Kyi needs a legal organization to pursue her legal struggle and the party should consider sacking her for the purpose of registration according to the newly imposed laws.

The NLD, which has opposed party registration since 1993, they argue, will be forced to commit to the ‘protection’ of the new constitution. Moreover, the faction’s leaders claim the NLD should continue to exist for those who have sacrificed their lives during the last two decades.

However, it must be then questioned, which members of the NLD are calling for the sacking of Aung San Suu Kyi?

The present situation is totally different from the 1990 election result, which has remained unfulfilled for the last twenty years. More importantly, I believe the new situation is more important, since NLD members could opt to form a new party with the abolition of the existing party.

I believe NLD leaders that want to stand legally can resign from the party and join with people of the same opinion to form a new political entity. I would let them go and form a new political party using a name such as the new-NLD. Foreign missions based in Burma will support them and the junta may allow them to run for office. The perceived break would be regrettable and preventable, but they cannot deceive the people and must allow the people to make their own choices. However, I hope they will not be blamed in history as forcing divisions within the party.

Former dictator Ne Win and the generals that have followed have time and again gained advantages by splitting opposition parties, including among the ranks of the AFPFL, dragging the country into crisis and poverty. I cannot imagine when and how we will be able to free our lives of military slavery if the NLD disunites and splits.