CNI News
17 Mar 2023
Although the chairman of the State Administration Council said power would be transferred to the winning party in the upcoming elections, political parties are divided over the credibility of the claim.
SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing promised to hold a general election and to transfer power to the winning party.
As there are only a few political parties that are registered to take part in elections in the entire country under the new political parties registration law and its new rules and the Union Solidarity and Development Party is likely to win the elections, the SAC would transfer power to the USDP, Spokesperson Naing Than Shwe of the Mon Unity Party told the CNI.
He said, "Under the curent circumstances, there are only a few political parties that will take part in elections in the entire country. The USDP and the NUP will run for election in the entire country. The NLD said it would not re-register with the commission. Other parties including the NUP will win in only a few constituencies. The USDP will win in most constituencies. So, the SAC will transfer power to the USDP."
A demonstration calling for democracy.
Despite the pledge of the SAC chairman, a leader from an influential political party said he was doubtful about the promise because the military has a history of failure to honor its promises in the 1990 elections.
As the SAC has publicly vowed to transfer power to the winning party, he believes that the military will keep its promise, Chairman Sai Aik Paung of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party told the CNI.
He said,"The SAC has already promised to transfer power to the winning party, which will be elected to convene the parliament and to elect a president and form the government. After the formation of the new government, the SAC will transfer power to it on 1st November or April. I think so. I hope so."
The Union Election Commission has been preparing to hold elections in 2023 and has been inviting new political parties to rregister with it by issuing the new political parties registration law and its rules on 31st January.
A military vehicle patrolling along streets after the NLD government was toppled.
A total of 23 political parties including five parties that will take part in elections in the entire country have registered with the commission so far, according to a statement of the commission on 14 March.
Some political parties are still thinking about whether to take part in elections or not.
However, the National Unity Government has vowed to disrupt the elections scheduled by the SAC.
