Poll chief welcomes election help

He said the nationwide democratic election led by the commission was a national issue, so the process needed to be free, fair and transparent to meet international standards.

The Election Commission met with political parties and civic organisations on Friday in Nay Pyi Taw. Issues such as ballot lists, funds and the ethics of political parties, education for eligible voters and transparent cooperation with civic organisations were discussed. 

During the meeting, Tin Aye warned political parties their licences would be revoking if they accepted financial support from foreign states. 

However, Nyan Win from the National League for Democracy party (NLD), said civic organisations that have relationships with the political parties made money on their own, by running charitable operations. 

He said: “I think political parties should support social issues, like [aid] after cyclone Nargis. That is not the party’s funds – it has nothing to do with the party’s finances.”

Thein Nyunt, chairman of the New National Democracy Party, said political parties did not need to be given special rules and regulations. These were already set down under Section 10 of the constitution. The parties should obey the law according to the charter, adding that prescribing ethics for political parties was not necessary, as it would smear their image.

Meanwhile, 88 Generation students’ leader Ko Ko Gyi is also eager to assist in the upcoming 2015 election as an civic organisation. “We want to give support to the commission.”