NUP lodges complaint against USDP

Thursday, 26 August 2010 16:47 Phanida

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Allegations of violations of electoral laws continue to be leveled against the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), with the National Union Party (NUP) the latest to cry foul.

The dispute arose in regard to campaign tactics in Pegu, where USDP members chanted slogans such as, ‘USDP will win’, prompting the NUP to file a complaint with the Pegu District Election Commission that electoral laws had been violated.

Some believe the USDP and NUP are working in alliance toward the November polling date.

“The Township Election Commission must tell them not to act like that and that they should act in accordance with the law. We shall inform them today. Taking action or not depends on them only. We won’t say the USDP violated the electoral law. This must be said by Election Commission,” NUP Pegu Division Secretary Hla Myint told Mizzima.

In an announcement issued by Union Election Commission (UEC) dated 21st June, political parties are forbidden from chanting slogans, marching in procession and making noises and disturbances at religious buildings.

“They chanted slogans of ‘Vote for USDP’, ‘USDP will win’ and ‘We shall win, We shall win’,” according to Pegu residents.

“We will point out the violation of law by any party. The remaining part is to be done by the authority concerned. If they do not take action, we will note down it,” Hla Myint added.

The Pegu Election Commission was not available for comment when contacted by Mizzima.

The Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP), established by General Ne Win, was converted into the NUP in 1988 and contested the 1990 multi-party general election, winning ten seats. It is the third largest party in the 2010 election.

The USDP is led by Prime Minister Thein Sein and is widely understood to be the proxy party of the current military government. Under their plans, ten Lieutenant Generals will resign from their military posts this coming Friday, a Defence Ministry source told Mizzima.

In its policy statement, the USDP says it will build an efficient and strong military comprising over 400,000 troops.

Currently confirmed USDP candidates and their constituencies:

Minister Constituency
Irrigation Minister Htay Ooo Henzada
Planning and Development Minister Soe Thar Twante
Energy Minister Lun Thi Kungyangone
Industry 1 Minister Aung Thaung Tanugthar
Communication Minister Thein Zaw Mogaung
Social Welfare Minister Maung Maung Swe Namsan