Oct 16, 2008 (DVB), The Arakan League for Democracy has rejected the constitution adopted by the Burmese military regime, and said it will not contest the 2010 election, according to party leader Aye Thar Aung.

Aye Thar Aung spoke to DVB on the 20th anniversary of the party's formation on Sunday.

"You can't just look at 2010 election on its own; you have to look at it in conjunctions with the constitution which was ratified by the referendum," Aye Thar Aung said.

"The constitution is not based on democracy. It will not recognise the rights of the ethnic nationalities of Burma at all," he went on.

"The ALD won’t accept it and won’t take part in it."

Aye Thar Aung said he believed that the military regime would have to negotiate with the opposition sooner or later.

"My view is that the SPDC alone cannot ensure the future stability and economic development of the country," Aye Thar Aung said.

"The SPDC will inevitably have to hold dialogue whether they like it or not," he said.

"[When this happens] will depend on the political efforts of our political parties, national leaders and the public."

A ceremony to mark the anniversary was held at Aye Thar Aung’s house on Sunday and was attended by 100 people, including members of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet