Arakanese political parties say they’re ready if UEC examines parties’ funds and assets

By DMG 14 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
14 August 2021, Sittwe

Some Arakanese political parties say they are ready to cooperate with the Union Election Commission (UEC), which has announced its intention to scrutinise records related to political parties’ funds and assets.

The junta-appointed UEC announced on August 12 that the UEC and its subcommissions will soon review the funds, bank accounts and assets of political parties with the assistance of relevant government departments under its powers as granted in the Political Parties Registration Law.

A member of the Arakan National Party’s policy steering committee, U Tun Aung Kyaw, said the party was ready to be checked if the UEC examines political parties in accordance with the law.

“We also have monthly clearing lists and ledgers. Therefore, we can say that we are ready if the UEC inspects. As a political party, we have to work in conjunction with the Union Election Commission set up by a government. As a political party, we formed and operate in accordance with the law on political parties. So we can accept any case in accordance with the law,” he said.

In its August 12 statement, the UEC said political parties would be notified of the date and time of the audit, which would allow them to be prepared for legal review of the party’s funds, bank accounts and assets.

Dr. Aye Maung, leader of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), said the party is ready to be questioned after the UEC issued the statement.

“We are prepared to be examined. According to the Political Parties Registration Law, the UEC has the authority to check political parties’ funds, bank accounts and donations. Whether or not to check is up to the UEC. This is also a process under the Political Parties Registration Law,” he added.

The Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) has not yet received a notification letter from the UEC regarding an audit of party funds, bank accounts and assets, said party chairman U Kyaw Myint.

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, political parties must systematically prepare books, ledgers and records.

The UEC said audits would look into lists of party membership fees and party monthly stipends, as well as records of the amounts of money and assets officially donated by party-owned businesses, as well as lists of money and assets donated by individuals, organisations, or groups of companies in the country.

The UEC has announced that it will examine the political budgets of political parties, party accounts, party assets, party expenditures in accordance with party rules, and election expenses incurred by party funds for each candidate.