The National Unity Party has been allowed by the military junta to distribute several newsletters among the public, despite the regime's ban on newsletters or statements by the NLD, said a politician on condition of anonymity.
"The NUP recently distributed a newsletter titled "Tin Yin Thar" to the people in Arakan for the 2010 elections, but other political parties have not been allowed this privilege by the authorities in Arakan. NUP is pro-military regime so the authorities allowed the party to work in Arakan," he said.
The newsletter in English is called, "Ethnic Nationality Newsletter" and was published in September 2008. NUP President U Tun Yi published a formal message to party members in the newsletter. In his message, U Tun Yi says he is proud because the military government confirmed the constitution in the May 2008 referendum, with the cooperation of NUP members. He thanked his party members for the cooperation with the government during the referendum, and said they can take part in the next elections in accordance with the constitution.
The newsletter has many chapters, including party policies and future plans.
A local resident in Sittwe said the newsletters have been distributed widely among the people, but the authorities have not pulled up the NUP at all for the publication.
"We bought a copy of the newsletter for 100 kyat because it will generate funds for our party," a party member in Sittwe said.
The NUP is now revamping its party in Arakan State in preparation for the 2010 general elections. The NUP and other pro-military political parties are preparing for the 2010 elections in Arakan State by trying to mobilize support, but most people are not unwilling to join these parties, said a local resident.
The military government is allowing NUP and other pro-military parties and organizations to operate and plan for the election, but the NLD and ALD have not been allowed to work in Arakan State.
The military authorities punished four NLD members in Taungup Township with a year's imprisonment for distributing party pamphlets to Taungup residents on March 27, 2008.
The NUP is made up of many former members of the Burma Socialist Programme Party that was led by Ne Win in 1988 after the army seized power.
