November 2010

Compiled
.......................
and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC)
National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

The activities of NLD and domestic opposition forces

The relationship between NLD and the military junta
The people were exultant to hear the news of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's possible release
on November 13 after the elections but no one could tell for sure whether she would be free
on that day, AP reported on October 1 citing two SPDC officials. NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin
Oo said that the military regime should free her before the election and start negotiations
because she was detained without being guilty. Another leader, U Win Tin, said that the NLD
would step up mass activities after her release.
Despite requesting the regime twice for access to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for consultations
on her cases, the military regime has not granted her lawyers any access, lawyer U Nyan Win
disclosed on October 3. On October 5, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sued the SPDC military
government at the High Court in Rangoon to achieve continued existence of the NLD party.
Authorities initially left out her name from voters list but later on informed her that she could
vote. However, she responded on October 12 through her lawyers that she has no right to vote
because the law stipulates convicted persons no right to vote. The NLD issued a memo on
October 14 to inform its members in all States and Divisions about its legal existence in spite
of SPDC's dissolving it.
On October 18 and 20, Rangoon Division Court heard the special appeals of Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Daw Win Ma Ma about violation of house arrest. Final
testimony would be given on 29th at Naypyidaw Supreme Court. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
expected the special appeals case to become an evidence of the degree of rule of law in
Burma, U Nyan Win said.
The military regime has started to obstruct NLD's 2010 election boycott campaigns and
launched counter-activities. In the early hours of October 18, Pegu Division Thayawaddy
Township local police came to NLD Chairman U Aung Myint's house and threatened him for
his anti-voting campaign. In order to counter activities of the NLD, procession campaigns
with T-shirts bearing the words "I Vote" appeared in Rangoon on October 19 organized by
Myanmar Egress, a so-called third force.
Leaders of NLD and other ethnic parties attended the 22nd anniversary ceremony of Zomi
National Congress' (ZNC) founding day held in Sagaing Division Kalaymyo on October 24.
During the ceremony the leaders signed a declaration on convening of the second Panglong
Conference for national reconciliation. NLD Vice-Chairman Thura U Tin Oo and Central
Executive Committee member U Win Tin signed the declaration on behalf of the NLD. U
Win Tin disclosed that they would try to call the conference around Union Day, 12 February,
2011.

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 1 of 1 1

On October 26, the NLD issued a statement declaring total boycott of election because
SPDC's sham election of November 7 could not bring democracy to Burma, and formally
warned the entire people not to vote. It also exhorted the people to report to police stations if
irregularities are found in the election. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has implored voters through
her lawyer U Nyan Win on October 26 to ask themselves and judge before voting on what
kind of election the SPDC was holding and for what were they voting.
NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo also welcomed US Secretary of State's talk about SPDC
regime's election and said on October 29 that all legislatures would remain under the power
of Commander-in-Chief in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.
The SPDC regime was releasing prisoners who have their time up before the election. On
October 20, Twantay Township NLD Vice-Chairman U Chit Pe and Township Organizing
Committee member U Aung Soe Wai were freed. However Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not
likely to be released before the elections, lawyer U Nyan Win said.
Although the SPDC did not crack down on anti-election and boycott campaigns led by NLD
members yet, it was increasingly obstructing them. On October 31, SPDC authorities
harassed Ko Aye Thwin and NLD members in South Dagon Myothit distributing flyers with
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's picture and her words on citizens' right to not vote. Security was
increased on big cities while SPDC newspapers warned severe action against anyone
wrecking the elections.
As SPDC authorities are constantly watching and documenting anti-election campaigners we
assume that there could be a crackdown after the election. We believe that if the NLD gets in
touch with ethnic organizations and armed groups and called the second Panglong
Conference, SPDC Generals would strongly retaliate.

The relationship between ethnic groups and the military junta

After SPDC government troops fought with Brigade 1 forces of ceasefire SSA (North)
three times within September, new NEC Commander Brig. Aung Kyaw Zaw ordered all
troops under the command of SSA (North) Brigade 1 on October 2 to withdraw from the
vicinity of Hsipaw-Lashio road. In mid-October, the SPDC sent three battalions as
reinforcements to Want Hai region where Brigade 1 HQ is located. IB 9, IB 131, IB 246 and
local militia troops were approaching Want Hai HQ from north-east, south-east and south.
Brigade 1 HQ has instructed all its troops to fight back without retreating if the SPDC started
attacking, resulting in continued tensions.
Also in Southern Shan State Kehsi Township Mongnawng Sub-Township, SPDC MOC 2
troops battled with SSA (South) troops twice in October, resulting in deaths of three SPDC
soldiers and police. SPDC Mongton Tactical Commander summoned village headmen and
warned them that their villages would be put to torch if battles broke out near their villages.
Tensions continued to rise between the SPDC and the KIO ceasefire group. SPDC authorities
stopped KIO members' travels and frisked them. Because the SPDC was planning to attack
them on the pretext of fighting drugs, the KIO declared drugs its main enemy on October 5.
On October 18, the SPDC took into custody Capt. Khaun Lwam, Liaison Officer in Hopin
KIO office, and WO II Tangun from Monghnyin Liaison Office on drug charges. On that
night, SPDC troops led by Police Lt. Col. Win Oo and Capt. Kyaw Soe Moe of MAS raided
the KIO Liaison Office in Hopin and confiscated some materials. When the KIO demanded
their release, the Northern Command replied on the next day that they have escaped.

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 2 of 1 1

SPDC troops laid a siege to KIA Battalion 12 in Shwegu District and KIA troops encircled
Northern Command's IB 142 camped in Lajayan near Laiza. The KIO is making war
preparations in its territories and equipping local people with arms. On October 13, two
villagers from Pinn Kyaing village, Mogaung Township, Kachin State, died from landmine
injuries while another one got wounded. SPDC dailies issued on October 15 described it as
KIA insurgents' act. This was the first time in sixteen years of ceasefire that the SPDC
dubbed the KIO as 'insurgents'.
SPDC's usage of "insurgents" could imply termination of ceasefire between the two sides,
KIO's Deputy Foreign Relations Chief Col. James Lwam Daun assessed. SPDC forces
entered and searched KIA Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Nbanla Awng's house in Sitapu ward,
Myitkyina, Kachin State, on October 13 at 2 am. On the same day, the SPDC ordered
withdrawal of KIO Liaison Office in Tanai. Due to SPDC's control of food and medicine
transports to KIO-controlled territories, Kachin villages on the west bank of Chiphwe
between Maikha and Malikha rivers were facing food shortages resulting in illnesses and
deaths.
While tensions were rising between the SPDC and the UWSA, Tachilek Township authorities
seized unlicensed cars owned by Wa army. The regime also deleted the names of Wa people
over 18 in Southern Shan State Ponpakyin Sub-Township from the list of eligible voters. In
the morning of October 24, an unknown armed group attacked an SPDC militia post in
Mongkoe, Muse District, killing one militiaman and taking away three arms and ammo.
Relations between SPDC troops and DKBA Brigade 5 which has rejected SPDC's Border
Guard Force transformation proposal have almost reached the point of flare-up. Due to
SPDC's blockage of DKBA Battalion 902 outposts outside of Myawaddy in the second week
of October, battles could soon break out in the town, Battalion 902 Commander Maj. Kyaw
Thet said. DKBA Patron Myaing Gyi Ngu Abbot U Thuzana called on Brigade Commander
Col. Saw Lar Pwei (Moustachio) to persuade him to transform but to no avail prompting
BSO-4 Chief Maj. Gen. Thet Naing Win to handle the matter.
In order to collectively stand up to SPDC's military attacks, leaders from DKBA Brigade 5
and leaders from Brig. Saw Htay Maung's KNU/KNLA Peace Council met on October 19
while KNU leaders and Brigade 5 leaders met on 21st. The DKBA Brigade 5 also reorganized
itself to better suit the war of resistance. While Karen forces opposing BGF transformation
were preparing for battle, Saw Tha Htoo Kyaw, Chairman of DKBA, and Pado Aung San,
leader of Karen Peace Group (Phayagone), were planning to run in SPDC elections.
KNU forces and SPDC troops continued to battle. On October 12, KNLA Brigade 6 troops
ambushed IB 32 returning from Three Pagodas Pass twice, killing three SPDC men and
wounding one. Another ambush on October 27 killed two more and wounded three others.
The SPDC was planning to launch a dry season offensive against the KNU.
There were battles between KNPP troops and SPDC forces too. On October 16, KNPP
Battalion 2 Coy 2 fought with SPDC IB 247 near Dawtama village, Demawso Township,
resulting in deaths of one SPDC sergeant and one private. Also on October 26, a combined
force of KNPP Battalion 3 detachment and ABSDF Battalion 4 attacked an outpost of SPDC
IB 72 and police post guarding Pawn River Bridge between Loikaw and Shadaw townships
in Kayah State. The three-hour long firefight resulted in four dead on SPDC side with Cpl.
Win Soe of IB 72, Police Sub-Inspector Tun Tun Win, Police L-Cpl. Aung Kyaw Moe and
Police L-Cpl. Yan Myo Aung captured alive together with arms and ammo. Enemy posts and
the bridge were blown up by victorious forces.

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 3 of 1 1

Tensions continued between SPDC and ceasefire New Mon State Party (NMSP), likely to
break out into armed conflict soon. The NMSP is still resisting SPDC pressure to transform
into Border Guard Force and announced on October 18 that it could not accept SPDC's
November 7 election because it was not fair. The SPDC also instructed pulling down of
NMSP signboards from liaison offices in towns as the regime has terminated NMSP's status
of legality, a Central Committee member said on October 26. On 28th, NMSP's Moulmein
District leaders met with Mon organizations and local people and urged them not to go to
polling stations but to boycott the election or if they could not avoid the voting make the
ballot invalid by marking a cross.
The Mon Peace Guard formed by former NMSP Chief-of-Staff late Maj. Gen. Aung Naing
held a surrender ceremony led by Col. Nai Shawng on October 21 at the South-East
Command in Moulmein. The SPDC then transformed it into a People's Militia force.
The Mon National Affairs Federation called a three-day long conference on Thai border and
resolved to boycott SPDC's elections. The Mon Youth Progressive Organization also
launched a boycott campaign to agitate Mon people on October 21. Local people in Karen
and Mon states also carried out anti-election protests. On October 25, more than 1000 people
demonstrated in Karen State Kyainn-Seikkyi Township and over 500 people demonstrated in
Mon State Ye Township.
NDAK and PNO ceasefire groups are preparing to contest in elections as USDP' proxies. The
PNO would file ten candidates for Hopong, Hsihseng and Pinlaung townships which have
been designated by the SPDC as the Pa-O Self-Administered Region, Chairman Khun San
Lwin said.
Because armed ethnic ceasefire groups like KIO, SSA (North) and NMSP have formed a
military alliance with non-ceasefire armed-struggling groups like KNU, KNPP and CNF to
resist SPDC militarily, we speculate that the civil war could resume after the November
election.

The activities of NLD and domestic opposition forces

NLD Central Executive Committee members U Kyi Win (Laputta), U Ohn Kyaing, U
Nyunt Wai, U Hantha Myint and U Nyan Win led organizing teams consisting of Central
Committee members, Divisional Organizing Committee members, NLD Youths and Women's
Team members travelled to States and Divisions to meet with local party members, and
briefed them on election boycott matters, future programs and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
messages.
U Kyi Win and his central organizing team travelled to Irrawaddy Division Laymyethna town
on October 2, U Ohn Kyaing and his central organizing team travelled to Taunggyi on 6th and
Yawnghwe on 9th, U Nyunt Wai, U Hantha Myint and their central organizing team travelled
to western Pegu Division Prome on 7th, U Nyan Win and his central organizing team travelled
to Mon and Karen states on 8th, U Ohn Kyaing, CRPP Secretary U Aye Thar Aung and their
central organizing team travelled to Kachin State Myitkyina from 15th to 18th to meet with
NLD members and ethnic leaders.
On October 10, expatriate Burmese collectively paid their respects to NLD Vice-Chairman U
Tin Oo who came to Singapore for eye surgery. He returned to Burma on 12th.
The organizing team to Kachin State also planned to meet with Kachin ceasefire groups, U
Aye Thar Aung disclosed on October 13. The team presented cash and food to political
prisoners in Myitkyina Prison on October 18, team member Minhla MP Daw Hla Hla Moe

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 4 of 1 1

said. After its return from Kachin State, the team met with NLD members from
Kyaukbadaung, Meikhtila and Nyaung-oo townships on October 20. Next they went to Chin
State and arrived in Kalaymyo on October 23 and met with NLD members and ethnic leaders.
On October 24, they attended the 22nd anniversary ceremony of Zomi National Congress
founding day and signed a declaration calling for second Panglong Conference for national
reconciliation. The Zomi National Congress conferred NLD CEC U Win Tin the Hero of
National Reconciliation Award. NLD Youths also paid respects to Chin leaders in Rangoon
on October 3. Mon-ywa Aung Shin and Legal Adviser U Aung Thein led an NLD organizing
team to meet with local members in Sagaing Division on October 6.
NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo, U Win Tin, U Naing Naing and other NLD leaders explained
the party's stand and future programs to foreign diplomats who called on them. They received
and briefed Australian Ambassador and diplomats on October 19, German Ambassador Mr.
Julius Georg Luy and diplomats on 25th and American and British diplomats on 27th.
NLD members led by U Win Tin attended the 48 th birthday party of '88 Generation Student
leader Min Ko Naing on October 18. Some NLD leaders visited NLD members in Mandalay
hit by floods and assisted them with cash relief. NLD's Tuesday prayer team also performed
its 182nd prayers on October 26, saying that they would continue praying for remaining
political prisoners after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release on November 13. To attend Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi's special appeal hearings, NLD CECs and Youth members travelled
together with lawyers to Naypyidaw on October 28. On 26 th, the NLD formally objected to
NDF's use of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's name in its election campaigns.
NLD members, pro-democracy activists, students, monks and people of all walks of life all
over the country stepped up anti-2008 Constitution and anti-2010 election campaigns. On
October 22, NLD member Ko Khin Maung Oo singlehandedly handed out flyers in Rangoon
Division North Okkala about NLD's continued legal existence and providing info to the
people to help decide on military regime's election. In many places such as Arakan State
Taungup, Pegu Division's Pegu, Zeegone, Thayawaddy and Thonzeh, Kachin State
Myitkyina, Karen State Kya-inn Seikkyi, Tenasserim Division's Mergui and Kawthaung,
Rangoon Division's Sanchaung, Insein and Mingladon, there have been pasting and
distribution of flyers with cross marks and words "No to 2010 elections!", spraying of USDP
signboards and government department signboards with the words "We are annoyed with
USDP!" in red paint, distribution of cartoons by Harn Lay satirizing regime's elections and
spraying the homes of some USDP candidates with the words "USDP lackey renegades" in
red paint.
There have been activities of farmers, workers, students, soldiers and monks within October.
On 23rd, over 100 farmers from Khayan Township met together, and demanded the military
regime for the right of setting up a peasants' union and return of confiscated farmlands.
Burma Workers and Peasants Solidarity League urged workers and peasants on October 28 to
boycott regime's elections. On 21st, more than 500 people in Karen State Kya-inn Seikkyi
Township demonstrated against the SPDC election. More than 500 people including
educational and health workers staged a protest in Mon State Ye-Lamaing area Kalote-tote
village against SPDC election.
On October 28 at 6 am, about 200 army family members and students of South-Oakkala-
based LIR 435 and 436 marched to Commanding Officer's (CO) office to demand solution to
livelihood problems. There were protests in some military units against SPDC's collection of
advance votes in Armed Forces. Men from IB 55 based in Arakan State under Western
Command objected to War Office's directive to cast advance votes for the USDP. About 30

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 5 of 1 1

USDP members campaigning in Pegu Kyauktaingkan-based LIR 7 under the command of
LID 77 quarreled and fought with security troops resulting in one soldier and three USDP
members injured. When USDP campaigners hit students from Henzada-based IB 18's
families for refusing to vote for the USDP, angry families reported to the CO. USDP pressure
on students of Meikhtila-based LIR 315's families to vote for it also caused irritation.
The '88 Generation Students stated its full support on October 27 for Kalaymyo Declaration
about calling the second Panglong Conference. The 2007 New Generation Students Union
also demanded the SPDC to revise its 2008 Constitution and postpone the election. Former
students and parents launched a letter campaign against USDP candidate U Kyin Thein, ex-
headmaster of BEHS 3, Pegu, asking him to stand by the side of people. The Monks' Alliance
inside Burma asserted that it would respond to SPDC's unfair elections by means of monks'
actions. On October 26, Burmese Student Monks Association in Sri Lanka condemned
SPDC's new flag and burned it in protest. (This was the first instance of flag-burning.)
Guiding Star group leader U Aye Myint sent an open letter to Senior Gen. Than Shwe on
October 6 to amend the 2008 Constitution because its Article 124(a) has said that the first
session of the People's Assembly has to be convened after the Constitution comes into effect
while Article 441 says that the Constitution comes into effect on the first day of Union
Assembly's first session, thereby virtually making all the Parliaments impossible to convene.
Six pro-democracy parties that are contesting in SPDC elections despite NLD's forewarning
met on October 2 and agreed to set up a Democratic Friendly Parties network. However,
when businessman Hla Maung Shwe who is doing joint businesses with the military regime
disclosed that he has been financing the National Democratic Force (NDF) and some parties
in the network, the Democracy and Peace Party (DPP) led by U Aung Than demanded
clarification on the matter and informed the alliance on October 9 that it was temporarily
suspending its relations with the network until matters cleared up.
NDF Chairman Dr. Than Nyein and Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) Chairman
Sai Aik Pawng denied U Hla Maung Shwe's disclosure. Regarding the matter, the NDF
invited leaders of six allied parties to its head office on October 12 to clarify it. Not satisfied
with the explanations, the DPP announced its withdrawal from the alliance on October 13.
Asia World Company owners cum former opium warlords Lao Hsing Han and his brother
Lao Hsing Min are supporting all the expenses of the Kokang Democracy and Unity Party
(KDUP) which is contesting in Lashio, Hsenwi and Kunlon regions, a party member
revealed.
Some political parties contesting in elections repudiated the people who were campaigning
for election boycott. NDF Vice-Chairman Dr. Than Win criticized election boycotters by
saying that their act weakened pro-democracy forces. The All Mon Region Democracy Party
Chairman Nai Ngwe Thein objected to the statement of Mon National Affairs Federation
formed by Mon political forces both inside and outside the country, saying on October 6 that
the statement hindered not only his party but also all other ethnic political parties.
With the sole exception of military regime's USDP, the thirty-six political parties contesting
in SPDC elections have faced discrimination and persecution by SPDC authorities and the
Election Commission as well as bullying by the USDP, resulting in objections, rebukes,
complaints and prosecutions. When Ko Aye Lwin's National Political Federation and his
brother Ko Ye Tun's '88 Generation Students and Youths (Union of Myanmar) tried to open a
joint office in Insein, township authorities and USDP intimidated them to not open the office,
prompting Ko Aye Lwin to complain to relevant officials. Campaigners from the Democratic

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 6 of 1 1

Party (Myanmar) in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township were harassed by USDP members cum
security personnel of Tawwin Plaza, resulting in scuffles.
USDP members U Hla Myint and U Zaw Min Tun pulled down campaign billboards erected
by Mar Kharr, NDF candidate for Kachin State Myitkyina constituency, leading to the latter's
complaint to the State Election Commission. Because the USDP is campaigning unfairly in
the whole country, the Democratic Party (Myanmar) complained in writing to the Election
Commission on October 11, party head U Thu Wai said. The trusteeship body of Thaddama-
karmi religious community hall in Bay-met ward, Yenangyaung, also complained to the
township election commission to take action on the USDP because the latter has used the hall
for campaigning in violation of election law.
The BSPP-turned NUP also spoke out against USDP's one-sided actions and lodged
complaints against the latter. NUP Central Executive Committee member former Vice Chief
of Staff Commodore Chit Hlaing (Retd.) claimed on October 26 that the NUP is totally
different from the USDP with different stands. He denied any association with the NUP
which he accused of immaturity since it was originally a social association which abruptly
became a political party set up by 'youngsters'. USDP's harassment of the NUP in Magwe
Division Taungdwingyi Township has caused a number of brawls.
As election draws closer, pro-democracy parties contesting in the election have stepped up
campaigning while the NLD also boosted its boycott movement, leading to tensions and
accusations between each other. Rivalries rather than cooperation arose among the contesting
parties because they are concentrating only on their gain.

The military junta and domestic situation

The situation of the activities of the military junta
With the election coming closer, military-sponsored USDP was openly violating the
election laws by forcibly canvassing among the people and obstructing rival parties with
various means while the Election Commission and SPDC authorities turned a blind eye to it
and put all sorts of restrictions upon other parties. USDP Chairman cum SPDC Prime
Minister U Thein Sein has issued instructions to recruit the people and strive for victory of all
USDP candidates in the election, a USDP organizer disclosed on October 5. The War Office
has also ordered Chiefs of Bureaus of Special Operations (BSO) to get the utmost of
affirmative votes for the USDP from all Army, Navy and Air Force units in their command
areas along with their family members.
The SPDC has planned to achieve total victory of the USDP and has already selected Chief
Ministers to be appointed to States and Divisions after elections, Deputy Defense Minister U
Aye Myint who has been reserved as Chief Minister of Mon State disclosed at a meeting of
State USDP office in Moulmein. The Election Commission was compiling faulty lists of
eligible voters and collecting advance votes throughout the country in breach of law.
In order to entice support of neighboring ASEAN countries for election results, a top SPDC
delegation led by Senior Gen. Than Shwe and his family paid a three-day visit to Laos on
October 1. On 11th, a high-level Thai delegation led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva,
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Prayuth
Chan-ocha was received by SPDC Prime Minister U Thein Sein in Naypyidaw. Although
Thai Prime Minister has warned the SPDC about international concerns for its election, his
visit was, in reality, to fawn on SPDC Generals in the interests of Thailand such as reopening
of Myawaddy border trade route which was closed by the SPDC three months ago, mutual

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trade between two countries, construction of Tavoy deep sea port, purchase of natural gas,
drugs and Burmese migrant workers in Thailand. Closure of Myawaddy trade point has
caused loss of about 7200 million Baht to Thailand. Thai Prime Minister said that Thailand is
ready to cooperate with the new government that would emerge from the election.
The SPDC continued its military reshuffles. On October 6, it moved about 100 mid-level
commanders including deputy regional commanders. Among thirteen deputy regional
commanders, three Colonels of 50+ age were promoted to the posts of MOC or Division
commanders while the remaining 10 Brigadiers of 60+ age were retired from army. Some of
them would be made to contest in the election. NEC Deputy Commander Col. Win Thein
became Commander of MOC 16, Deputy of Western Command Col. Min Zaw became
Division Commander and Deputy of Rangoon Command Col. Kyaw Kyaw Tun became
MOC 4 Commander. Some Tactical Commanders and G staff were also shuffled. The SPDC
was reorganizing its Armed Forces before the election to make the army youthful. In line with
this concept, the SPDC has discharged some top Generals and Lt. Generals in August and
replaced them with regional commanders who were promoted.
The SPDC Election Commission headed by U Thein Soe called a press conference on
October 18 and explained its election preparations to foreign diplomats, UN agencies,
domestic journalists and secretaries of sub-commissions in States and Divisions. U Thein Soe
said that out of 42 parties granted registration, 37 parties along with 80 Independents would
file more than 3000 candidates; ballots and advance votes would be counted in front of
polling station staff, party representatives and people; names of at least ten witnesses in vote
counting would be documented; Election Commissions at all levels would be impartial and
act in accordance with the law; unconvict prisoners have to cast advance votes; foreign media
and observers would not be allowed; and all campaigning to end on October 30. (Though
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who was under house arrest asserted that she would not vote, the
Penal Dept.'s figures on September 26 showed that there were over 6000 eligible voters in all
prisons.)
On behalf of Industry-1 Minister U Aung Thaung, Ministry's Chief of Staff U Myint Swe
issued a signed directive 18/1/Sa(1)/2010 (7677) forbidding all senior civil servants from
meeting foreigners before the election. The regime also tightened restrictions upon the local
media. With the aim of preventing news leakage to abroad, the SPDC drastically slowed
down the speed of Internet connections since late October. The military regime claimed that
there has been a DDOS attack from abroad but Internet lines for the military and government
departments were not affected.
On the morning of October 21, the SPDC instructed all government offices to take down the
old national flag originating from the 1974 Constitution and ceremoniously hoist the new flag
of 2008 Constitution at 3:00 pm. The directive specified that a Tuesday-born must lower the
old flag and a Wednesday-born must raise the new flag; the old flag must be put to fire and
buried; if there was no new flag ready no other flag must be put up; the flag-lowering and
torching must be recorded on film and photos and report to be sent to superiors. Although
state flag, state seal and state anthem have to be changed formally only when the 2008
Constitution comes into effect at the first session of People's Assembly, the SPDC made the
change in the sense of a voodoo ritual.
Despite rumors about the ritual being aimed at suppressing Tuesday-born Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi astrologically, we assume that it is mainly targeted to USDP's main rival NUP, formerly
known as the BSPP. Because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD are not contesting in the
election sponsored by the SPDC there is no reason for the regime to fear them. The old flag
pulled down and destroyed was BSPP flag with rice ear image and not of the NLD and

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 8 of 1 1

people. The NUP won military's support in the early days of its founding but when Senior
Gen. Than Shwe set up his own USDA and USDP, monopolizing all the support of Armed
Forces, NUP leaders who are former Generals became extremely bitter over the SPDC and
the USDP. If many NUP candidates got elected to various parliaments, they could win over
the army again, prompting Senior Gen. Than Shwe to regard the NUP as his chief danger.
USDP General Secretary cum Agriculture and Irrigation Minister U Htay Oo held a press
conference on October 27 at 3 pm at the USDP HQ on University Avenue, Rangoon. He
predicted sure win for the USDP because it has eighteen million party members, and also said
that Senior Gen. Than Shwe and Vice Senior Gen. Maung Aye were not USDP members and
therefore were uncertain of being proposed for presidency posts. When journalists asked
Mayor U Aung Thein Lin if road repairs in Rangoon were carried out with USDP finance or
Municipal finance, the Mayor responded indecently but U Htay Oo answered that the repairs
were done with Municipal finances.
As election day nears, there were terrorist attacks in several places, prompting the military
regime to lay the blame on some armed groups. On October 5th night, a bomb exploded near
the TV relay tower in ward 4, Myawaddy, Karen State. As usual, the SPDC accused the
KNU. On October 10, two arm courts of Mong Hsat-based MOC 14 blew up. Locals thought
it was caused by shorted wire but the SPDC was suspecting UWSA's local Division 171.
SPDC dailies accused KIA insurgents of mine explosion in Kachin State Mogaung Township
on October 13. On the same day, some explosive materials were found at a department store
near Hledan junction in Kamayut, Rangoon.
The New Light of Myanmar daily issued on October 26 accused the ABSDF of perpetrating
the bombing of ward PDC office in Pegu Oattha Myothit Ward 8 on September 29. On
October 28, the ABSDF issued a statement claiming that one of the four arrested, Ko Min
Min Tun, was a detachment chief of South Oakkalapa Township Military Affairs Security and
another one called Ko Aung Myo Min was a Sergeant from Indaing Central Ordinances
Depot. The statement added that the SPDC is covering up those facts. On October 13, two
gunmen killed Namyan village chairman in Namlan Township, Northern Shan State. Also on
October 26th night, an ex-KDA member threw a grenade at the village chairman's house in
Muse Township Kachin Nawshen village, wounding seven people.
Since the military regime is planning a landslide win in forthcoming November 7 elections by
various means, we reckon that the SPDC's election would be a sham one.

The socio-economic situation of the people

The SPDC has tightened security as election draws closer resulting in all sorts of
livelihood troubles for the people. Businesspeople are also watching the election situation and
many businesses have stopped for the moment. Consumer prices have also risen.
The Cyclone Giri which struck on October 22 has caused 42 people dead and loss of Kyat 18
billion worth property, the SPDC reported but NGOs and locals claimed that death rate is
nearly 300 with suffering victims numbering about 200,000. Severe damage was wrought in
Myebon, Kyaukpru, Pauktaw and Minbya townships with some loss in Sagaing Division and
Chin State. Heavy rains all over the country have caused swelling of rivers and tributaries
inundating thousands of acres of already cultivated farmlands. On October 8, the military
regime let loose Sedawgyi and Sedawlay dams north of Mandalay, flooding the townships in
southern part of the city giving rise to about 2500 homeless. Authorities also released the
waters of Ma-lel dam in Mandalay Division Sintgoo Township on 11th, washing away some

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 9 of 1 1

houses in Letpanhla village and ruining a major bridge on Mandalay-Mogok-Bhamo
highway.
Out of 178 countries in the world, Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq and Somalia have the highest
rate of corruption, Berlin-based Transparency International reported on October 26.

International Pressure
UN, US, EU and world nations criticized the forthcoming election called by the military
regime.
US Congressman Mr. Joseph Crowley commented on October 1 that news about Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi's impeding release is a political ploy by the SPDC. State Dept. spokesperson PJ
Crowley expressed US governments' grave concern for Burma's political situation on October
12. On 27th, Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton sent a message of grief to storm-struck
victims of Burma and also donated US$ 100,000 worth relief materials through the US
Embassy in Rangoon. On the first day of her trip to Asia on that day, Hillary Clinton asserted
that she could not accept SPDC's election because it lacked democratic standards. The UN
and the US rebuked SPDC's announcement banning foreign media from observing the
election.
She also spoke on 28th about US government's continued push for establishment of a UN
Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity
committed by the SPDC military regime. SPDC Foreign Minister U Nyan Win's talk about
releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi after the election was a display of regime's cowardice
which the US State Dept. strongly denounced, spokesperson PJ Crowley said on 28th.
British Foreign Minister William Hague said on 22nd that SPDC's continued detention of
more than 2000 political prisoners was distressing and that he supported AI's campaign
calling for their release. Irish government also gave support to establishment of a CoI.
Estonian Foreign Office Asia Affairs Adviser Mr. Jaanus Varu officially stated his country's
support on 8th.
New Zealand Parliament demanded the SPDC on 13th to free political prisoners and to make
the election free and fair. Its Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing on Burma issue on
14th. On 12th, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said that SPDC sponsored-
election could not bring about any progress in Burmese politics.
At the 8th Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Brussels, Belgium, on October 4, British Deputy
Prime Minister Nick Clegg urged participating countries to talk to the SPDC regime together
about its sham election having a lot of human rights violations and to discuss Burma issue as
the main topic in the meeting. The two-day long meeting put Burma's election issue on its
agenda and achieved some consensus, EU Rotating Chairman Belgium's Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Ouvry said on 5th. The meeting's communiqué published on that day demanded
the SPDC regime to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners before the
election.
The Green Party of Australia also demanded its government to impose targeted sanctions on
SPDC's trade, investment, natural gas and oil sectors. On 31 st, Australian Foreign Minister
Kevin Rudd expressed his country's skepticism like other countries did over SPDC election.
Timor Leste President Hose Ramos Horta said at the European Parliament's Burma issue
talks on 6th that SPDC election is not the solution to Burma's democratization. Philippine
President Benigno Aquino and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegaw expressed their
disappointment on 28th over SPDC Foreign Minister U NyanWin's ambiguous answer to

PDC News Commentary ~ November 2010 (Eng) Page 1 0 of 1 1

queries at Hanoi ASEAN summit about the Lady's release. Philippine Foreign Minister
Alberto Romulo told reporters outside the ASEAN summit that there is no reason to believe
in news of Senior Gen. Than Shwe's retiring from politics after holding on to power for more
than twenty years. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Philippine Foreign Minister
who were attending the summit also expressed on 30th their disbelief in fairness of SPDC
elections.
Former UN Human Rights Rapporteurs Mr. Paulo Sergio Penheiro and Ms. Yozo Yokota also
urged the EU on 9th to give full support to establishment of a CoI. UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon demanded the SPDC regime on 9th, 26th and 29th to free all political prisoners and
conduct an open and fair election that could be participated by all relevant political
organizations. During his trip to Asia, he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on
30th and discussed Burma's election issue. On 29th, UN Human Rights High Commissioner
Mrs. Navi Pillay said that the forthcoming SPDC-sponsored election is in no situation to
become a genuine election that meets international standards.
In his report of October 20 on Burma, UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur Mr. Tomas Ojea
Quintana said that torture, arrests, extrajudicial killings and forced labor have increased in
Burma rather than fall off and recommended establishment of a CoI to investigate human
rights abuses in Burma, adding that failure to do so could imply encouragement to SPDC's
actions. He also said on 21st that the international community ought to take effective action
upon the SPDC if it did not make the election trustworthy by the people.
Despite UN and many countries' repudiation of SPDC military regime's deeds, Indian
Ambassador to UN Acquino Vimal commented on 28th that the proposal to set up a UN CoI
to investigate SPDC's human rights violations was not beneficial but would produce results to
the contrary. Indian National Security Adviser Shiwen Shankar Menon who was on a visit to
the US recommended to the international community to cooperate with the SPDC regime
because Burma's election was a step forward in democratization.
Chinese government which is profiting economically from the SPDC military regime favors
regime leaders to win the election and continue staying in power, Reuters news agency
reported on 20th. US Senator Mr. Jim Webb said on 28th that he favored the US government to
engage more with the military regime so as to prevent Burma from becoming a vassal of
China. Though Obama administration is still repudiating the SPDC it is also saying that it
would continue to engage with the new government that emerged after the election. Japanese
Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Yamahana Ikuo said on 13th that in spite of many suspicious
facts regarding the coming SPDC-sponsored election, Japan would wait and see the situation.
On 31st, Japanese Foreign Minister Mihara demanded the SPDC to free Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi as soon as possible.
Because world nations are getting disillusioned with decades-long Burma issue, there could
be more countries that want to work with the new government if the SPDC could only make
the election somewhat decently.
//End of Report /Saturday, November 13, 2010//
//End of Translation/Monday, November 22, 2010//

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