Khin Maung Swe discusses his election withdrawal

Thursday, 26 August 2010 20:30 Kyaw Kha

Mizzima spoke today with Khin Maung Swe, leader of the National Democratic Force (NDF), who yesterday withdrew his standing for elections on November 7, though he remains supportive of the process.

What prompted your decision not to contest the elections?

The Union Election Commission (UEC) chairman called and told us [four leaders of the party] that had been imprisoned under penal codes 122 and 124 [for acts of treason related to forming a parallel government following the 1990 general election], we were prohibited to enter elections for the rest of our lives. If we want to contest in the elections, he asked us to submit a letter. I explained to the UEC that we had served the prison sentences without any days deducted and that we are now ordinary citizens. Those released should enjoy equal rights as ordinary citizens. We also asked why the UEC hadn’t make a decision on this matter when we registered the party and why the issue was only being raised now. If we are allowed to form a political party, it is understood we enjoy the right to contest in the elections. I am nevertheless still a leader of the party. I don’t want to discredit the party. For that reason, I will not raise the issue again with the UEC.

How do you consider the freedom and fairness of this election?

Now you are witnessing the injustices. I have repeatedly told the facts since the election laws came out. I have spoken many times about the unfairness. Only at the time of the elections will we be able to observe whether the polling is being conducted in a free and fair manner. Is there any use of threats? Are there any vote-buying attempts? Are polling station officials treating party representatives fairly?

If you are withdrawing from the elections, why is your party still contesting?

I didn’t resign from the party. I am still a party leader and there has been no decision that all party leaders must contest in the election.

Do you foresee the military government imposing further restrictions?

Even if it that happens, I will still support the elections because I am looking for the people to benefit. Rather than the party winning in the elections, I stand for the people and their ability to make a choice. I joined the elections wanting to work for the benefit of the people and making people aware as to whom is actually working for democracy and which organisations are standing with them. But we must travel a narrow and difficult path. I see the elections as an opportunity after 20 years. Shall we stay away and neglect them because it is a difficult and thorny path? Shouldn’t the people practise their voting rights that they have deserved for 20 years? Can’t we bring any power to the people, who can rightfully enjoy legislative power in the new parliament?

What is the position of the other leaders of the party?

I decided not to enter the elections for personal reasons. I support the elections. I should not interfere with the other three leaders’ affairs. I may lose face if I speak wrongly of their position. That’s why I don’t want to say anything.

How is your [party’s] readiness for the election?

We have organised more than 1,00 members.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

For the benefit of the people, we chose [to participate in] the elections no matter how dim the light. People can say bad words about us, but we don’t take it seriously. We don’t care if people call us names. We see that we need to take the first steps during this time for democracy and human rights for our people. When people need change, we shouldn’t oppose everything by saying “no voting” or “no elections”. For that reason, I want to convey the following message to our fellow citizens through Mizzima: Even if the elections are unfree or unfair we must pass through this time together with the people, and we should continue to strive to open the doors of democracy, one after another.