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Again, Burma's Than Shwe mentions election but no date
Irrawaddy - March 2, 2010
Ko Htwe – Burmese junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe reaffirmed on Tuesday that an election will be held this year, but he did not name a date, in a statement released on Peasant Day and published in state-run media.
The New Light of Myanmar newspaper carried a story quoting Than Shwe: "This year an election will be held to elect members of parliament in accordance with the State Constitution of the Union of Myanmar."
He urged farmers to elect representatives who are capable of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation, saying that they must exercise democracy correctly while warding off any disruption in state stability and community peace.
In separate statements made on Burma's Union Day on Feb. 12, Than Shwe offered assurances that the upcoming election would be free and fair.
Win Tin, a leading NLD member, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday: "It's like a roar without rain. If they plan to hold an election, they should announce the electoral law and party registration now."
In the 1990 election, the electoral law and party registration rules were announced 18 months in advance, Win Tin said.
The NLD, which swept the last election in 1990, has not yet decided whether to take part in the election.
"The Shwegondaing Declaration," released by the NLD in April 2009, calls for a review of the controversial Constitution, a political dialogue and the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi.
In other comments, Than Shwe said the nation's rice supply far exceeds the demand of the growing population, and he urged the agricultural sector to transform itself by using more mechanized farming techniques.
Khin Maung Nyo, a Burmese economist in Rangoon, said the government's estimate of the rice harvest seemed to be sufficient.
"Once the lower part of Burma sent rice to upper Burma," he said. "Now upper Burma sends rice to the lower part."
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