Burma Update: National League for Democracy to Demand Recognition (Ko Htwe)

Ko Htwe writes for The Irrawaddy:

Lawyers representing the National League for Democracy (NLD) will appear before the Burmese Supreme Court in Naypyidaw on Thursday and argue that the regime's Election Commission was wrong in banning the party.

The lawyers discussed the case with NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. The NLD said she would not accompany the three lawyers to Naypyidaw.

The NLD was officially disbanded after failing to register for the Nov. 7 election. In its case before the Supreme Court, the NLD calls for the cancellation of Article 25 of the Political Parties Registration Law, which requires existing political parties to re-register or face disbandment.

Article 25 reads: “The political parties established in accord with the Political Parties Registration Law 4/88 shall apply their registration to the Election Commission within 60 days after the promulgation of this law.” The NLD claims the provision does not apply to Suu Kyi's party.

The NLD's decision not to re-register led to a split within the party, with one section deciding to compete in the election under a new name. While not specifically calling for an election boycott, Suu Kyi and her inner circle issued statements reminding voters that they had a right not to vote.

NLD Spokesman Nyan Win said Thursday's hearing before the Supreme Court would center on the party's demand for witnesses to be heard.

The NLD first presented its case to the Supreme Court in Rangoon in April. It was one of a number of law suits lodged by the NLD, including an appeal by 26 party members who won in the 1990 election for its results to be recognized and for the establishment of a parliament in accordance with the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law 14/89, issued in 1989.

The regime rejected the results of the 1990 election and promulgated a new Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, repealing the 1989 one.

DXG2ZRP35BC4