CNI News
6 Feb 2023
The new political parties registration law enacted by the State Administration Council seems to create privilege to the wealthy, Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the Arakan National Party told the CNI.
As the law requires political parties that aim to contest elections in the entire country to deposit MMK 100 million registration fees at Myanmar Economic Banks and to open party offices in half of all the constituencies in the country, political parties have encountered financial problems, he added.
Political parties and the UEC hold discussions.
He told the CNI, "The law implies that those who are wealthy are allowed to political parties that can contest election in the entire country because the law requires political parties to deposit MMK 100 million, recruit 100,000 members and open offices in half of all constituencies in the country or in 165 townships. Political parties need large sums of money to open and operate offices in 165 townships. So, I think the law offers privilege to the wealthy."
The law stipulates that parties mobilizing in the entire union shall undertake to set up offices in at least half of all the townships in the union within 180 days from registration.
Wealthy businessmen and individuals are legally permitted to donate funds to political parties, Chairman Sai Aik Paung of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party told the CNI.
He said, "Our party doesn't have any funds. If wealthy people in the country want to donate funds to our white tiger party, please tell them to donate funds to us. Any citizens can donate funds to us. Even foreign registration certificate holders can donate funds to us. Any naturalized citizens can donate funds to us. Media companies can donate funds to us. Only foreigners and foreign organizations are prohibited from donating funds to political parties."
Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets political parties.
A political party will be successful when wealthy individuals and intellectuals cooperate, Chairman U Sein Win of the National United Democratic Party told the CNI.
He said, "In the history of Myanmar, wealthy businessmen and educated individuals cooperated in political parties during the independence struggle of General Aung San. If we can mobilize honest and wealthy businessmen, intellectuals and those who can devote themselves to political parties, we will be successful."
Similarly, the law requires political parties that mobilize in a certain state or region shall set up offices in at least five townships in that state or regions within 180 days after registration.
