USDP Accused of Unlawful Election Campaigning

By THE IRRAWADDY

Burma's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) which dominates the national Parliament has been accused of unlawful campaigning for the looming parliamentary by-elections in a major Rangoon township.

Residents of Mayangone Township told The Irrawaddy that last week USDP campaigners urged them to submit land registration applications to the party.

In Burma, the state remains in control of all land with citizens having few rights. People must obtain official documents proving temporary property ownership, but in reality many cannot negotiate the country's unwieldy bureaucracy and fail to receive these.

"To get these official land certificates many people in several quarters of the township have been asked to go and submit applications and relevant documents to the USDP office," said a local store owner in the town. "The USDP party organizers said they will give this service to us free of charge."

Under the country's election laws, political parties can be disbanded if they are found to be using state properties and funds. The activity last week was carried out under the direct instruction of USDP Secretary General Htay Oo, claimed a party organizer in Mayangone Township.

A local politician told The Irrawaddy that this activity by the USDP is unlawful and aimed at garnering votes for the upcoming by-election. The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), led by pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, will compete for 48 vacant parliamentary seats during the ballot.

"This is a misappropriation of state power. I will be happy if the public gets official land and housing certificates, but if this is just false promises made for the sake of getting votes I will complain that the USDP is rigging the elections," said the politician.

The USDP is led by former Burmese generals and was transformed into a political party from a military-sponsored civic organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, in June 2010.

The party won a large majority in the Union Parliament through last year's election which was widely criticized for heavy vote rigging. But in a recent press conference, the country's Election Commission chief vowed that the looming by-elections will be free and fair.

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