CNI News

31 Jan 2023

Political parties said provisions of the new registration law for political parties are very confusing.

Under the new law, his party is forced to register four times, Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the Arakan National Party told the CNI.

He told the CNI, "Our party has offices in Rakhine State, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions and Paletwa in Chin State. So, we are required to register four parties at four places including Rakhine State, Yangon Region, Ayeyarwady Region and Chin State."

Provisions of the new political party registration law.

He added that the multi-party democracy system required strong political parties that would bring development of the country through stability and the current situation posed a lot of difficulties for political parties.

The new political parties registration law signed by Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing requires regional parties to deposit MMK 10 million at one of the Myanmar Economic Banks and recruit at least 1,000 party members within 90 days of registration.

Meanswhile, national political parties are required to deposit MMK 100 million at one of the MEBs and recruit at least 100,000 party members within 90 days after registration.

It is difficult for his party to register under the new law enacted by the SAC, Spokesperson Naing Than Shwe of the Mon Unity Party told the CNI.

The Union Election Commission meets political parties.

He said, "Under the new law, we will have to register with the Mon State Election Sub-commission. If we want to compete in an election in Kayin State, we will have to register another party in Kayin State. We will have to deposit another MMK 10 million and recruit another 1,000 members in that state. We will have to do the same if we want to compete in other states and regions including Tanintharyi Region, Yangon Region and Bago Region. It is difficult for us because our population is dispersed in all these regions."

Under the new political parties registration law, political parties are required to re-register within 60 days from the enactment of the law by the SAC.