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Home2017 by-electionsNLD cleared of breaching electioneering rules

NLD cleared of breaching electioneering rules

Burma’s Union Election Commission (UEC) has rejected a complaint by the opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and 12 other political parties that accuses the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) of using state media for campaign purposes.

The complaint filed to the UEC on 8 May directly implicated State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, NLD patron Tin Oo and spokesperson Win Htein for allegedly violating provisions of the constitution and breaching election laws by campaigning while delivering televised speeches during an event to mark the first anniversary of the NLD’s term in power on 30 March.

The UEC stated yesterday that it had taken time to “study, scrutinise and assess the matter in detail,” but had found the complaint unwarranted. Therefore, it said, no action would be taken against the NLD.

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The UEC noted that while the current administration’s one-year anniversary coincided with the 2017 by-election campaign period, neither the State Counsellor nor the ruling party’s officials conveyed any messages of electioneering in their speeches.

Furthermore, the UEC statement read, it is “customary” for ministers and senior officials of a ruling party to report on the administration’s progress after a year in power.

One of those senior NLD leaders mentioned in the statement, 90-year-old Tin Oo, is currently hospitalised after collapsing at his home in Rangoon on Wednesday night.

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