Election Commission: NLD Did Not Violate Regulations in By-Election
By Moe Myint 18 May 2017
RANGOON – The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced in a statement on Thursday that they would not take action against the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, after 13 rival political parties accused the NLD of violating election rules and regulations during Burma’s by-elections in April.
NLD chairperson and State Counselor Daw Aung San Su Kyi, NLD patron U Tin Oo and central committee member U Win Htein addressed the country in a televised speech on April 1, the day of the by-elections. Members of 13 other political parties pointed out that the NLD leadership referenced their party’s new campaign slogan, “Together With the People,” during the speech, thereby breaching UEC rules.
In Thursday’s statement, the UEC said that, according to their assessment, the NLD party leaders had not reached beyond the code of conduct, as the speeches mainly served to explain government activities to the public.
“Hence, the UEC announces, no action will be taken [against the NLD] regarding the complaint letters,” the statement read.
Dr. Nanda Hla Myint, a spokesperson for the Union Solidarity and Development Party—which had initially complained to the UEC—told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that the electoral commission’s decision was “unfair” and criticized the UEC’s statement as being too broad.
He added that the parties in question had presented the complaint in accordance with party registration law, electoral law and laws laid out in the Constitution.
“We will consult with others to continue the objections, but I can’t provide details right now as I am not a professional lawyer,” said Dr. Nanda Hla Myint.
The NLD’s by-election campaign slogan was made official after it was posted on the official Facebook page of the State Counselor’s Office on March 30.
