Removal of signboards belonging to unregistered political parties begins in Rakhine

Narinjara News, 10 April 2023

Rakhine-based political parties which had not registered with the military council run election authority (Union Election Commission) have been removing their signboards and banners following continued pressure from the authority.

An official from Kaman National Progressive Party (KNPP) informed that the military intelligence unit asked them to take down the party flags and signboards.

"The intelligence unit enquired about our office signboards. If we do not remove those signboards, the officials will do the same. As we did not re-register with the election commission, I was compelled to remove our signboards,” he added.

The party leaders claimed that they did not agree with the registration process not only because of financial difficulties, but also complications arose with the new electoral laws.

Its headquarter is situated at Metta Nyunt ward of Tamwe township.

Dinet People's Development Party (DNDP), another tribal party without registration, also removed their banners and signboards on 25 March.

"Unregistered parties have been declared as having no validity. So these were taken down,” said DNDP chairman U Aung Kyaw Zaw.

The party’s headquarter is located at number 4  ward of  Buthidaung city, 80 miles north of the State capital, Sittwe.

Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), a prominent political party of Rakhine State, is also running without the registration, but they have not put up any banners at the office. The party leaders are yet to receive any communications from the military council.

The banners and signboard of National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were removed by unidentified individuals from its office.

Additionally Rakhine State NLD chairman U Nyi Pu and its secretary U Min Aung were arrested and sent to the jail.

Five political parties of Rakhine State that registered with the UEC include Arakan National Party (ANP), Arakan Front Party (AFP),  The Myo Ethnic Party and Khami  National Development Party,

Military council imposed the new electoral laws on 26 January and stated that if any political party fails to register within 60 days, it would be automatically dissolved.


On 28 March 28, the UEC revealed that over 60 political parties applied for re-registration, whereas 40 known parties, including the NLD, did not apply within the specific time period.

All Arakan Students and Youth Association is understood to have sent a large number of anti-election messages to the residents of Rakhine State very recently. They also started distributing anti-election leaflets in various localities including the capital city of Sittwe.

Caption: The signboard was taken down at NLD office in Sittwe  on 7 April