Criteria For
Formation Of Electoral Commission In Myanmar Unveiled
Myanmar's
military government has announced criteria for the formation of
an election commission.
This is in line with one of five new laws enacted ahead of
long-awaited polls that until now have been shrouded in secrecy.
A date for the vote, the first in the former British colony for
20 years, has is yet to be announced
The junta plans to release details of other election laws,
including who can take part among those governing, in coming
days.
The proposed election has been widely derided as a sham, with
the military retaining key ministries and institutions and
pulling the strings behind a civilian-fronted government.
The regime had announced on state radio that five laws had been
passed, without giving details.
Union Election Commission of at least five people, who must be
prominent and of good reputation', would be formed to oversee
political parties and organize the vote.
It would map out electoral constituencies and be given the power
to annul polls in places where natural disasters or security
reasons prevent the vote from being free and fair.
The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which
won the 1990 election by a landslide but was denied the chance
to govern, said the polls as planned could not be fair.
The party, led by detained Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu
Kyi, has yet to decide if it will take part.
Late last month, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon
sent a letter to junta supremo Than Shwe expressing concern
about Myanmar's lack of progress on democratic reforms.
Ban urged the reclusive leader to ensure the vote was most
credible, inclusive and transparent.
NAN/WILLIAMS
