(RTTNews) - As many as 15 of Myanmar's top generals who constitute its ruling military junta have reportedly stepped down from their posts ahead of the upcoming general
Apparently the move is meant to facilitate their formal entry into politics by contesting the polls.
Gen. Thura Shwe Mann, the third senior most general in the Myanmarese government is among those said to have put in their papers.
Although it was initially indicated that Gen Than Shwe, currently Myanmar's ruler, and his deputy Gen Maung Aye were among those had resigned, this was subsequently denied by sources in the establishment.
It is believed that the army personel who quit their military posts will join the pro-junta Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and will take part in the election.
Meanwhile, the opposition-backed Democratic Voice of Burma website said both Gen Than Shwe and Gen Maung Aye were all set to become president and vice-president of USDP.
The November 7 polls are the first to be held in the reclusive South East Asian nation in almost 20 years.
Last time when Myanmar went to the polls in 1990, the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu
However, the NLD was never allowed to assume power by the military despite its huge mandate. This time round, the NLD is not even in the fray, owing to its political boycott.
Earlier this year, the NLD was formally disbanded by Myanmerese officials for its failure to register with authorities to contest the forthcoming elections. Dealing a further blow to its political future, a breakaway faction formed a new party, the National Democratic Force (NDF), headed by a former NLD executive member Than Nyein.
The move to de-recognize NLD came after the junta issued a decree banning people serving prison terms from remaining members of political parties, thereby virtually shutting the door on Suu Kyi's participation in the polls.
Although Myanmar's powerful generals have allowed voting to take place, the elections are expected to be closely monitored and regulated. The new constitution brought in by the regime to replace the old one reserves one-fourth of seats in the new parliament for the military.
Political commentators say the junta has more than ensured its continued stranglehold over the country's future governance and its influence would remain unassailable.
Meanwhile, Suu Kyi who remains under detention at her residence in the capital Yangon is expected to be freed by November 27. The NLD leader, who is the daughter of Aung San widely regarded as the father of modern-day Myanmar, has been incarcerated for 15 of the past 20 years.
Even though she was to have been released in May last year, her house arrest was extended for allegedly breaching the terms of confinement after an American man illegally entered her house. In October, a lower court rejected an
Subsequently in February this year, Myanamar's Supreme
Critics allege that the political exercise is an eye-wash intended to give legality to the military's ignoble plans.
by RTT Staff Writer
Source:http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1404462&SM=1
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