Junta regime enacted the ‘Political Parties Registration Law’ on 26 January 2023. It includes any political party which will carry out nationwide election campaign should have at least 100,000 members in 90 days from the date of registration, and have party offices in at least  half of the townships across the country in 180 days.

The new law did not favour the existence of many political parties, and they will be dissolved in 60 days if they are not registered under this law. Therefore, this interview with Chairman U Thar Tun Hla from Arakan National Party will present how political parties are facing problem with this new law.

TLT: What is your view on the junta’s Political Parties Registration Law?

U Thar Tun Hla: Our Arakan National Party has been registered for nationwide election campaigns under the previous political party laws.  The new law has many problems for registration. We have no capacity for 100 million kyat, 100,000 party members and  party offices in at least  half of the townships across the country, which are requirements for party registration under the new law.

TLT: To what extent this law has made problems for the parties?

U Thar Tun Hla: We contested the parliamentary seats for Rakhine, Ayeyawady, Yangon and Chin in the previous elections. For the upcoming elections, our party could not run for these areas. It is a major challenge for us.

TLT: What changes will happen for your party due to this new law?

U Thar Tun Hla: There are more than 90 political parties at present under the previous law. However, most of these parties are now facing many problems under the new law.

 TLT:    What is your conclusion remark on the new ‘Political Parties Registration Law’?

U Thar Tun Hla:  We will have to learn and analyze this law at present. So far, we understand it has caused problems for our party.