Letter dated 26 November 1998 from the Chairman of the NLD to the
Chairman of the Multiparty Elections Commission is distributed for
everyone's information.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
1 December 1998.
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National League for Democracy
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon
Letter Number 119, See (chan) /98
Dated 26/11/98
To
U Ba Htay,
Chairman
Multiparty Elections Commission,
Union of Burma
Subject.......Decapitation of the branches of the National League for
Democracy
1. On 27 September 1988, the National League for Democracy was duly
registered under the provisions of the Political Parties Registration
Law promulgated by the State Law and Order Restoration Council, now the
State Peace and Development Council. The commission of which you are the
chief accepted our application for registration.
2. The circumstances under which registration is prohibited are
categorically enumerated in Chapter 2, Section 3 of the said law.
3. In law it is implied and understood that registration of the National
League for Democracy means and includes all its branches in the States,
Divisions, Townships, Wards and Villages and all other branches created
under other categories such as Farmers, Workers, Traders, Women and
Youth.
4. Despite this position as legally constituted bodies, the authorities
are decapitating the branches in the township and making it appear that
it is the membership that is dissolving them. There is no truth or
legality in the information that is being given out. The members are
fully aware that dissolution of a branch is not within their competency.
5. The information and reports reaching us from our members is that the
defenceless organising committee members are being illegally and
mercilessly persecuted and hassled by the military intelligence units.
Properties belonging to the NLD such as our signboards, flag, seals,
papers and books etc, have been forcibly removed and handed over to the
branches of the respective township multiparty elections commission
offices. The fact is that the Elections Commission is not empowered to
accept or deal with properties that are solely owned by the NLD. This is
an unlawful entrustment of property.
6. The NLD branches that have been decapitated as of 26 November 1998
are
Mon State - Thanbyuzayat township, Belin township.
Yakhine state - Akyab township, Ponnagone township, Myauk-Oo
township, Kyauktaw township, Minbya township.
Shan state - Mongkhat township, Mongyan township, Taunggyi township,
Yangon Division- Seikkyi Khannaungto township
Irrawaddy Division - Pyapon township
Pugu Division - Thanatpin township
(Sign)
Chairman
National League for Democracy
Copies to:-
1. Chairman, State Peace and Development Council
2. Office of the relevant Multiparty Elections Commission in the
States/Divisions
3. Office of the relevant Multiparty Election Commission in the
townships
4. Office of the relevant NLD organising committees in the States/
Divisions
5. office copy
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