ANP Declares It Won’t Register Under a Different Name
Arakha Times (26-November-2024)
The Arakan National Party (ANP), one of Rakhine State’s most prominent political parties, has stated it will not register under a different name if required. U Tun Aung Kyaw, a leading member of ANP’s Policy Steering Committee, made the statement in an interview with Arakha Times.
Under the new Political Parties Registration Law implemented by Myanmar’s military regime, previously registered parties are required to re-register. The regime’s Election Commission rejected ANP’s application for party registration, as announced on July 1 through junta-affiliated media outlets.
U Tun Aung Kyaw explained that if ANP were forced to change its name to register, it would mean disregarding its political legacy. “If the State Administration Council asks us to register again, ANP will not change its name or compromise our party’s historical integrity to establish a new party,” he stated.
He elaborated, “When the State Administration Council mandated political party registration, ANP complied in accordance with the law. However, for over a year after submitting our application, there was no response. Then, after more than a year, the commission rejected the application under Article 7, citing disqualification criteria. If they now propose that we register under a different name, our party leadership unanimously rejects such a notion.”
The Election Commission claimed ANP was disqualified for not meeting the requirements of the Political Parties Registration Law.
Looking ahead to Myanmar’s expected general election in 2025, ANP advocates for a reevaluation of rejected parties’ registration rights. U Tun Aung Kyaw voiced confidence in the likelihood of the election and the potential normalization of political dynamics afterward.
He stated, “We believe the election will happen as planned. The military cannot hold power indefinitely without facing increased international pressure. If a politically elected government emerges in 2025, such pressures will ease significantly. In such a scenario, opportunities may arise for previously disqualified parties to re-register. ANP would then stand firm in its commitment to Rakhine’s people and interests by resubmitting its registration under its rightful name.”
Currently, ANP is in limbo, with its application rejected and no official dissolution announced, leaving the party operating unofficially.
The junta’s registration laws explicitly prohibit parties associated with organizations declared unlawful, terrorist, or armed insurgencies against the state. It also bars parties that provide direct or indirect support to such groups.
