USDP explains President's visit to party headquarters

At a press conference yesterday, Pike Htwe, Than Tun, and Dr Maung Maung Htay insisted that despite the visit, the president did not get involved with the party’s activities. Therefore, he has not violated the Constitution.

 “The President visited the party to explain to the representatives about the issue of the transfer of joint chairmanship. He didn’t come to attend the meeting. The meeting was held separately. He only explained the reasons. He came to greet the MPs representing the party. He was not carrying out party activities,” said Pike Htwe.

When he was questioned about whether the president’s visit was in line with the Constitution, Pike Htwe replied: “It was in line with the Constitution. All the representatives accepted the transfer of joint chairmanship of the party. It was carried out according to the decision of the central executive committee.” 

According to Section 64 of the Constitution, the president and vice presidents are forbidden from taking part in a party’s political activities during their terms of office.

Thein Sein was at the party headquarters on August 13, when the party announced the dismissal of Thura Shwe Mann as chairman. Replacing him is vice chairman Htay Oo. 

Pike Htwe explained that the changes in the party’s internal affairs are unlikely to affect the election, and the party has been carrying out changes step by step, starting with the restructuring of a new central committee.

“It was not a transfer of the party’s chairmanship. According to the rules and regulations of the party, the party’s chairman U Thein Sein serves the role of president, so he is unable to serve as the party’s chairman. Therefore, a joint chairmanship was given to the vice chairman. The party has full confidence that it will win the upcoming election. We believe we will win by a landslide,” Pike Htwe insisted.

The party’s principles include abiding by the rules and regulations announced by the Election Commission, respecting procedures and enthusiastically participating in holding a free and fair election, he continued.

Pike Htwe did not give a clear reply to a question raised by a reporter about whether the changes in the party’s top positions were carried out democratically. Instead, he said the party will strive hard for continuous flourishing of democracy, and democracy development is part of the party’s direction.

He also said the change was a democratic change within the party, and the internal structure of the party was reformed due to criticisms of lack of democracy within the party and to have unity.

The USDP stated in its press release that the President came to greet the MPs before their meeting and explained about the transfer of joint chairmanship from Thura Shwe Mann to vice chairman Htay Oo.