[09/March/2010]

UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Saba) -- United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said on Monday that he has sent a letter to Myanmar's military chief expressing his concern about the credibility and transparency of the nation's upcoming elections, according to Xinhua.

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Ban said he sent his letter to Senior General Than Shwe 10 days ago emphasizing that without the participation of all political prisoners, the election will not be credible or inclusive.

The ruling Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has not yet set a date for nationwide elections, which are to be the country's first in 20 years.

Responding to a question about reports from inside Myanmar that the Southeast Asian nation had adopted an election law, Ban said he "took note" of the announcement and will follow the matter closely.

"That is what I had been urging Myanmar authorities to do as soon as possible," he said.
The SPDC on Monday enacted five laws relating to the forthcoming general election this year, the state Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) reported.

These laws are Union Election Commission Law, Political Parties Registration Law, Pyithu Luttaw (People's Parliament) Election Law, Amyotha Hluttaw (National Parliament) Election Law and State or Division Parliament Election Law, the report said.

Details on these laws will be published in all newspapers in the country on Tuesday.

Myanmar government announced a seven-step roadmap in August 2003 namely reconvening a national convention, drafting a new state constitution, holding a national referendum on the draft constitution, sponsoring a general election and forming a new civilian government.

The new state constitution was approved in the 2008 national referendum and a general election is to be held in accordance with the new constitution.

Since the last election in 1990, there has been 10 legal political parties in existence in Myanmar.

Saba