23 October 2010: The Chin Progressive Party (CPP) has filed a defamation case against Pu Enok, an independent candidate in Kalemyo constituency, Sagaing division for the 2010 general elections in Burma with the Election Commission.

It is learnt that Pu Enok mentioned Pu Nothankap, President of the CPP’s, personal life during a poll campaign on 19 October in Tahan market, Kalemyo by distributing pamphlets. The CPP has complained to the Election Commission about it.

The pamphlet said that Pu Nothankap has divided the Chin National Front (CNF) into two groups and some people have fled abroad because of his inferior leadership and wrongful activities.

“We have filed a defamation case against Pu Enok with the Election Commission and it will sit for an emergency meeting soon,” said a spokesperson of CPP.

The electoral laws forbid a party or a candidate make derogatory comments about other candidates, launching personal or religious attacks and denigrating the country during the election campaign. If candidates flout the laws, action will be taken by the Election Commission.

Pu Enok has distributed food, Kyat 1500 and a bottle of petrol each to all the people, who attended his poll meeting on 19 October. He is said to be paying his campaigners Kyat 50,000 to two lakhs. Some believe he is being backed by the USDP.

“He always gives priority to the Lion (symbol of USDP) for People’s Parliament, National Parliament and the Union Parliament for Chin people. After that he introduces the hornbill (symbol of Chin) for the seats in Regional/State Parliament. And he has written about USDP in his pamphlet,” said a local in Kalemyo.