NarinjaraNews March 01, 2023

AFP chairman Dr. Aye Maung’s recent statement that top party leaders affiliated with theArakan Army (AA) should step downin order to re-register the party is facing criticism from the public.

During an interview with Narinjara, the AFP chairman statedhis belief that “the forthcoming electioncould potentially provide a way out of the current political and militarycrisis in Myanmar.”

On February 27, DVB News reported that AFP Chairman Dr. AyeMaung had stated that “party leaderswho maintain contact with the Arakan Army (AA), must resign from the party in orderto comply with the Political Parties Registration Law enactedby the Military Council ahead of the

upcoming election.”

Among many critical reactions,“U Pe Than, Rakhine veteranpolitician and former Pyithu Hluttaw memberfrom Myebon township, said to Narinjara, “Even ordinary people have to dealwith the Arakan Army (AA)regardless of their political party allegiances. People are very critical of Dr Aye Maung because of the way he accuseshis own party members of some contact withAA.”

Dr. Aye Maung had stated to DVB that “ Members of parliamentliving in the Rakhine region have connectionswith AA. People from the ANP party have become political leaders. There will be some in our party as well. Pleasereview yourself. If there are those who have been indirectly involved, please resign. For example, relatives, children,grandchildren, etc. The Political PartiesRegistration Law has been enacted directly or indirectly. AA will bedeclared as an illegal association in Rakhine. So, section 17(1) is in ULA/AA. Youknow it. If you suspect that you are related to AA, please criticize yourself. We will discussparty registration for party standing,” Dr. Aye Maung said on DVB.

U Pe Than ponted out , “He doesn’t just criticize his own party, but healso attacks the ANP party. As a politician, it’simportant to speak appropriately according to the situation in your region. There are certain things that shouldn’t be said, as they couldhave negative consequences. The peopleare criticizing him. He did not keep his mouth shut. It’s not good for anyone, including himself,” he said.

According to Chapter (2) Section 4(f) of the MilitaryCouncil’s PoliticalParties Registration Law, those who want to establish a partymust not directly (or indirectly) communicate with, support, or encourage members of organizationsdesignated by the state as having committedacts of terrorism,insurgents who are armed against the state, and members who have been declaredas illegal associations under theexisting law.

The Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) central executivecommittee and spokesperson U

 Myat Tun, who is also in charge of news and information for theArakan Political Prisoners Association, said,“Dr. Aye Maung is aperson who speaks to the people saying that he will enter the election. On the other hand, he seems to be veryworried about getting into trouble with the Military Council. Therefore, I think he told his peoplenot to be associated with the AA, and if they don’t, they should leave.”

U Myat Tun added ”most people who understand politics do notaccept the rules and the lack of competition in the Military Council-run election.

A social activist from Sittwe, said that if Dr. Aye Maung isto continue as a Rakhine political party activist rather than just following his own political convictions, he needs to payattention to the views of thepeople of Rakhine.

“Regardingparty politics, Dr. Aye Maung held significant importance among the people, asthey placed great trust in him.While he remains steadfast in his convictions, it’s crucial that he also listens to and considers the voices andopinions of the people. What are the current desires of the people of Rakhine” he asked?

Narinjara attempted to contact Dr. Aye Maung multiple timesto gather more information on this issue, but unfortunately, was unable to reach him.

Under the new Political Parties Registration Law, the ArakanFront Party (AFP) registered with the Union Election Commission under the Military Council on February 27, as reported bythe Military Council’s newspaper on February 28.

The Arakan National Party (ANP), another major politicalparty in Rakhine, is currently gathering feedback from township executives andcommittee members about the Military Council’s new partyregistration law.

At the central committee meeting held on February 25, theArakan League for Democracy (ALD) decided against registering the party.