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

During an interview with Narinjara, the AFP chairman stated his belief that “the forthcoming election could potentially provide a way out of the current political and military crisis in Myanmar.”

On February 27, DVB News reported that AFP Chairman Dr. Aye Maung had stated that “party leaders who maintain contact with the Arakan Army (AA), must resign from the party in order to comply with the Political Parties Registration Law enacted by the Military Council ahead of the upcoming election.”

Among many critical reactions,“U Pe Than, Rakhine veteran politician and former Pyithu Hluttaw member from Myebon township, said to Narinjara, “Even ordinary people have to deal with the Arakan Army (AA) regardless of their political party allegiances. People are very critical of Dr Aye Maung because of the way he accuses his own party members of some contact with AA.”

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

U Pe Than ponted out , “He doesn’t just criticize his own party, but he also attacks the ANP party. As a politician, it’s important to speak appropriately according to the situation in your region. There are certain things that shouldn’t be said, as they could have negative consequences. The people are 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 Military Council’s Political Parties Registration Law, those who want to establish a party must not directly (or indirectly) communicate with, support, or encourage members of organizations designated by the state as having committed acts of terrorism, insurgents who are armed against the state, and members who have been declared as illegal associations under the existing law.

The Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) central executive committee and spokesperson U Myat Tun, who is also in charge of news and information for the Arakan Political Prisoners Association, said, “Dr. Aye Maung is a person who speaks to the people saying that he will enter the election. On the other hand, he seems to be very worried about getting into trouble with the Military Council. Therefore, I think he told his people not to be associated with the AA, and if they don’t, they should leave.”

U Myat Tun added ”most people who understand politics do not accept the rules and the lack of competition in the Military Council-run election.

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

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

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

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

The Arakan National Party (ANP), another major political party in Rakhine, is currently gathering feedback from township executives and committee members about the Military Council’s new party registration law.

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