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ARCHIVES	Tuesday, 31 October 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Oct- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on the occasion of his re-election for the second term as President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Clarification made on laying down detailed basic principles for Chapters "Election" and "Political Parties" in drafting the State Constitution Plenary Session of National Convention continues

Yangon, 30 Oct - Chairman and Members of the National Convention Convening Work Committee read out the clarification on laying down detailed basic principles for the Chapters "Election" and "Political Parties" for drafting the State Constitution made by the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee at the Plenary Session of the National Convention continued at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Commission members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Work Committee members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and Management Committee members, chairmen and officials of subcommittees, delegates of political parties National Unity Party, Union Pa-O National Organization, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party, Union Kayin League, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party and Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, independent representatives-elect, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing,Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of State Service Personnel from the State Peace and Development Council Office, the President Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General's Office, the Auditor-General's Office, the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, other invited delegates, delegates from Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Shan State (North) Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Shan State (East) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5, Shan State (South) Special Region-6, Kachin State Special Region-1, Kachin State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-1, Kayah State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-3, Kayinni National Democratic Party (KNDP) (Dragon) Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBA) and Haungthayaw Special Region Group, Nyeinchanyay Myothit Group from Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine State Group), Arakan Army (AA), Homein Region Development and Welfare Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA), Manpan People's Militia Group, Mon Peace Group (Chaungchi Region) and Mon Nai Seik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

Before the Plenary Session of the National Convention, Chairman of the NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Commission members, Chairman of the NCCWC Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Work Committee members, Chairman of the NCCMC Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and Management Committee members, chairmen and officials of the subcommittees, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of the National Races, Peasants, Workers, Intellectuals and Intelligentsia, State Service Personnel, and Other Invited Persons, signed attendance books at Pyidaungsu Hall and the recreation hall.

NCCC Chairman Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the Plenary Session of National Convention and Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as master of ceremonies.

The MC declared the start of the meeting as 1,072 out of 1,081 delegates were in attendance, accounting for 99.17 per cent, and the plenary session commenced with the permission of the meeting chairman.

First, NCCWC Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe made clarification on adoption of detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Election? in drafting the State Constitution.

Next, Vice-Chairman of NCCWC Attorney-General U Aye Maung presented clarification made by the chairman on adoption of detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Election? in drafting the State Constitution. The Plenary Session then went into recess.

When the Plenary Session resumed at 10.25 am, Secretary of NCCWC U Thaung Nyunt presented clarification made by the chairman on adoption of detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Election? in drafting the State Constitution.

(Presentations made by NCCWC Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe, NCCWC Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung and Secretary of NCCWC U Thaung Nyunt are reported separately.)

Afterwards, Member of NCCWC Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin presented clarification made by the chairman on adoption of detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Political Parties? in drafting the State Constitution. The Plenary Session went into recess at 11.10 am.

(The presentation made by Member of NCCWC Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin will be reported.)

Social systems, values said to be best for certain countries may not be valuable for Myanmar Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein addresses conclusion of special refresher course No 10 for faculty members

Yangon, 30 Oct - Special refresher course No 10 for faculty members concluded this afternoon at the Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Present at the ceremony were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the military advocate general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, CSSTB members, officials of the SPDC office, the departmental heads, the rectors and heads of departments of the CICS (Phaunggyi)

In his speech, the Secretary-1 said looking at the international situation, all global countries are striving their utmost to serve the interests of their countries and their peoples. With cutting-edge science and technology across the globe, those countries also have to try to catch up with this developing world while trying to preserve and safeguard their national character and national interests.

He said the whole world has suffered from various ideologies, racial and religious conflicts, regional and civil wars and terrorism. Moreover, rivalry among global nations forming groupings, discrimination against nations practising double standard policy, and interferences in others' international affairs by dominating international organisations have fuelled such existing conflicts and problems of the world. More and more conflicts and problems also emerge on account of attempts to dominate the entire world and various pressures. At such a time like this, the nation requires national strength to address such problems and challenges in order to stand tall among the international community with its own feet without losing sight of national dignity and national character, the Secretary-1 added. With technological divide and economic disparity, world countries have to face challenges of globalization as well as the challenges that some nations with wealth and technological edge practising double standard policy have created.

Nowadays, each and every country is striving to develop their political, economic and cultural fields with a view to serving interest of their peoples. Like other nations, the Union of Myanmar is also trying to be on a par with the international community as well as safeguard the perpetuity of the whole Union. In other words, Myanmar is trying so to exist in the world as a sovereign nation with its own dignity free from any dominance.

Therefore, the Secretary-1 said, the nation needs strong forces not only to develop industry, science and technology and economy but also to instil patriotism and Union Spirit into the people. Only when the nation is equipped with economic and technological strengths as well as strong human resources, will it become a peaceful and perpetual Union. That is why the State is trying to improve nationalistic spirit and the capabilities of the citizens through national education promotion. It is also striving for safeguarding independence and sovereignty and perpetuity of the Union. As for the education sector, the State is taking measures to turn out intellectuals and intelligentsia in order to keep abreast of international science and technology.

It is required to make preparations for the emergence of a large number of scientists and technicians having wide and deep knowledge on the respective subjects.

In addition, we will have to make efforts for development of the arts branch that can help bring out visionary academics possessing the firm intellectual and mental qualities to safeguard and uplift national culture.

In this regard, faculties should strive to ensure harmony between the increase in the academic branches and subject-wise advancement for the flourishing of the arts and sciences institution-wise.

They, with the effective help of State-established universities and colleges of advanced standard, world-class curriculum, advanced teaching aids and computer and electronic network, should strive to further enhance the intellectual power of the public.

Their educational duties and the national tasks are indivisible. The education sector's national duty is to overcome the challenges of the developing and changing era and the man-made challenges to oppress and dominate our nation.

Faculties should see the fact that if they live as bystanders at this critical moment for the national cause, independence and sovereignty will be lost and the race will face a terrible fate. As a teacher as well as an academic and a citizen the faculties will have to play their own part, while actively and dutifully carrying out the national task with high nationalism and loyalty.

The State Peace and Development Council government has been in the process of transforming the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing nation, aspired by the people.

The government is undertaking step by step transition, that is practical and in the national interest, based on the current political, economic and social progress and the course of history.

Every nation has the right to adopt social values and systems according to public aspiration. Social systems and values that are said to be the best for certain countries may not be valuable for us. Only the system that springs from historical and cultural foundations and national vision will be the best for us.

The methods to view and judge the developments of the society and history are changing everyday. We after viewing the current causes and effects that will create our history from various angles will have to choose a system that will serve the national interest best.

The universal truth is that there are various ways for development and different systems. As you, the faculties, are academics, you have already known that the rejection of the universal truth and thinking of his own way as correct is a wrong view that is not free from personal passions.

The SPDC has been implementing plans for a gentle transition to a peaceful modern and developed nation.

At present, the sound political foundations set up on the national unity, the sound economic foundations reinforced by private enterprises and the social foundations supported by the health and fitness and high education standard of the people and their will to safeguard national culture are flourishing in the nation.

He said at a time when all of us are making endeavours for prosperity of the nation and its people in unity based on better results and achievements the power maniacs are extending their attempts to undermine the favourable foundations. The more the country develops, the less opportunity there is for them to gain power.

He said in the history, those greedy for power hindered the nation-building tasks udertaken through the correct policy, visionary leadership and public participation for perpetuation of the country. Today, the same mistake is being committed by the power maniacs, he said.

He said the Union of Myanmar is a Union where national races reside. Only when there is unity will the nation develop. It is evident the evil plot was designed to cause disintegration of the Union. They are instigating extreme racism, separation of state and plain region and wrong views among the national races while making fabricated stories of oppressing the races, he said.

He said a strong national economic life is needed for national development and perpetuation of the Union. Strong economic life indicates the correct policy of the government and leadership and national solidarity, he said.

That is why the internal destructive elements are hindering strongly the government's efforts for development of national economy. They tried to destabilize the country and commit terrorist acts. Similarly, external destructive elements put pressure on Myanmar diplomatically and imposed sanctions against her economically. They are undermining the development of natonal economic life on purpose, he added.

At the same time, they are launching propaganda campaign in order to conceal the development of the nation saying that the economy is declining and there is outbreak of contagious diseases and the people are poor.

There is no political, economic or social crisis in the country but there are only destructive elements who create the crisis.

If there is a crisis, it must be solved through the people's strength in accordance with the government's policy. It is a wrong thought that crises can be solved through a change of the government.

It is now the time the entire people made concerted efforts for the prosperity of the nation and its people ignoring the fabricated propaganda of those with negative views.

He spoke of the need to realize that the nation is moving into a better situation.

The National Convention in progress and nation-building tasks are paving the way for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

The National Convention is the first significant step and success of it is the national concern. It is necessary to improve political, economic and social sectors step by step for realization of the objective. It is the duty bestowed by history and the noblest national duty of the present time.

The Secretary-1 urged the faculty members to make strenuous efforts to enable the citizens to understand the national duties and to produce national strengths with the application of their knowledge.

High national education, development of arts and science and technology and turning out qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia are the national strengths that can bring about development of the nation and perpetuation of the Union.

In conclusion, he urged the faculty members to uplift education of the people and build nationalistic spirit and participate in the respective role for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

Next, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to outstanding trainees and completion certificates to the trainees through group leaders.

Later, the trainees donated K 257,200 to the funds for the Lawka Chantha Abhayalaba Muni Buddha Image, renovation of Ko Nawin Pagoda of CICS and ancient pagodas in Bagan, National Convention and schools.

Winners of 14th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions awarded

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Oct-The prize-presentation ceremony for the 14th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the Auditorium of the University of Veterinary Science yesterday morning with an address by Patron of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin and wife, the ministers and their wives, senior military officers, the deputy ministers, the deputy attorney-general, the deputy auditor-general, members of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, those from the leading committee, the work committees and the sub-committees, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the heads of department, the rectors of University of Veterinary Science and University of Agriculture, members of social organizations and others.

First, Patron of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein made a speech on the occasion.

Next, prizes were presented to those who stood first, second and third in the singing contest, dancing contest and song composing contest.

Next, member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein presented prizes to Maung Wai Phyo Naing of Rakhine State who stood first, U Nyi Nyi Aung of Ayeyawady Division who stood second and U Chan Tha of Mon State who stood third in the amateur level (first division) men's harp contest; Maung Thaw Zin Win of Mandalay Division who stood first, Maung Ye Win Than of Ayeyawady Division who stood second and Maung Than Tun Aung of Yangon Division who stood third in the higher education level men's harp contest; Maung Kan Oo Aung of Bago Division who stood first and Maung Aung Naing Soe of Ayeyawady Division who stood second in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' harp contest.

Later, member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung presented prizes to Maung Naing Lin Thu of Rakhine State and Maung Mo Myint Hset of Yangon Division who stood first, Maung Theint Chit Aung of Mandalay Division and Maung Kaung Htet Aung of Ayayawady Division who stood second, Maung Thaing Htet of Mandalay Division who stood third, and Maung Ye Min Kyaw of Shan State who won the special prize in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' harp contest; Maung Thaik Tun Zan of Ayeyawady Division who stood first, Maung Sai La Min Aung of Yangon Division who stood second, Maung Phyo Hset Paing of Shan State who stood third in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' harp contest; Daw Pyon Mya Mya Kyi of Mon State who stood first, Ma Lwin Mar Thein of Taninthayi Division who stood second and Ma Zar Zar Aye of Mandalay Division who stood third in the amateur level (first class) women's harp contest.

After that, Vice-Chairman-1 of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint presented prizes to Ma Su Su Win Maung of Rakhine State who stood first, Daw Tin Nilar Win of Ayayawady Division who stood second, Daw Khin Mi Mi Moe of Yangon Division who stood third in the amateur level (second class) women's harp contest; Ma Cho Zin Tun of Bago Division who stood first, Ma Nanda Aye of Mandalay Division who stood second, Ma Thin Su Lwin of Yangon Division who stood third in the higher education level women's harp contest; Ma Hsu Yi Ko Ko of Yangon Division who stood first, Ma Thiri Myat Hsu of Ayayawady Division and Ma Khin Moe Hein of Kayin State who stood second in the basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' harp contest; Ma Nan Thiri Khin Khin of Magway Division who stood first, Ma Aye Hsu Kyaw of Mandalay Division and Ma Khine Zar Mon of Ayeyawady Division who stood second and Ma The Nu Aye of Kayin State who stood third in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' harp contest; Ma Yi Mon Thant of Ayeyawady Division who stood first, Ma Myat Ke Thwe Kyaw of Mandalay Division and Ma Paing Theint Theint Nwe of Yangon Division who stood second and Ma Chu Thinzar Theint of Taninthayi Division who stood third.

Next, Vice-Chairman-2 Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented prizes to U Kaung Thant of Mandalay Division who stood first, Myodaw Aye Min Aung of Yangon Division who stood second, U Kaung Hset of Yangon Division and U Myint Aung of Ayeyawady Division who stood third in the amateur level (first class) men's xylophone contest; U Kin Yi of Bago Division who stood first, Myanmapyi Chit Moe Hlyan of Mon State who stood second and U Aung Si Moe of Yangon Division who stood third in the amateur level (second class) men's xylophone contest; Maung Soe Thein of Rakhine State who stood first, Maung Myo Thu of Mandalay Division who stood second and Maung Ye Min Han of Yangon Division and Maung Kaung Myat Kyaw of Mandalay Division who stood third in the higher education level men's xylophone contest; Maung Zaw Min of Yangon Division who stood first, Maung Htet Arkar of Yangon Division who stood second and Maung Nyein Chan Phyo of Mandalay Division who stood third in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' xylophone contest; Maung Chit Ko Ko Soe of Yangon Division who stood first, Maung Aung Ko Ko of Magway Division who stood second and Maung Htoo Ko Lwin of Ayeyawady Division who stood third in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' xylophone contests; Maung Min Aung Kyaw Thu of Mon State who stood first, Maung Thura Htet Naing of Mandalay Division and Maung Hla Myo Ko of Bago Division who stood second and Maung Ye Yint Thu of Magaway Division who stood third in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' xylophone contest.

Next, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing presented prizes to Daw Khin Thein Aye of Mandalay Division who stood first, Daw Khin Khin Myint of Rakhine State who stood second and Ma Bo Ma of Mon State who stood third in the amateur level (first class) women's xylophone contest; Daw Mya Mya Win of Bago Division who stood first, Daw Thin Thin Aung of Mandalay Division who stood second and Daw Myint Myint Aye of Yangon Division who stood third in the amateur level (second class) women's xylophone contest; Ma Ei Ei Mon of Yangon Division who stood first, Ma Aye Su Mar of Ayeyawady Division who stood second and Ma Tin Zar Aye Lwin of Yangon Division and Ma Thanda Nwe of Mandalay Division who stood third in the higher education level women's xylophone contest; Ma Wint Thinza Stine of Yangon Division who stood first, Ma Yadana Lin of Yangon Division who stood second and Ma Nanda Lin of Mandalay Division who stood third in the basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' xylophone contest. And hegave first prize to Ma Yadana Oo of Mandalay Division, second prize to Ma May Thu Win of Yangon Division and Ma Aye Chan Moe of Sagaing Division and third prize to Ma Win Htet Phyo of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' xylophone contest; first prize to Ma Dayliar Tun of Ayeyawady Division, second prize to Ma Aye Myat Soe Khin of Yangon Division and third prize to Ma Phyu Hnin Khaing of Sagaing Division.

Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo gave first prize to U Aung Than Htun of Mandalay Division, second prize to U Myint Aung of Ayeyawady Division and third prize to U Maung Soe Thein of Rakhine State in the amateur level (first class) men's piano contest; first prize U Aung Aung of Ayeyawady Division, second prize to Maung Soe Shwe Wa of Mandalay Division and third prize to Maung Zaw Min Oo of Yangon Division in the amateur level (second class) men's piano contest; first prize to Maung Aung Ko Thet of Ayeyawady Division, second prize to Maung Ye Min Han of Yangon Division and third prize to Maung Aung Min Thu of Yangon Division in the basic education level men's piano contest; first prize to Maung Kyaw Ye Hein of Yangon Division, second prize to Maung Ye Yint Min of Bago Division and third prize to Maung Wai Linn Aung of Mandalay Division in the basic education level (aged 15-20) men's piano contest; first prize to Kaung Wai Lu of Mandalay Division, second prize to Maung Aung Ko Ko Hla of Yangon Division and third prize to Maung Htet Naing Min of Rakhine State and special prize to Maung Khun Thet Naing Oo of Shan State in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' piano contest and first prize to Maung Zaw Min Maung of Sagaing Division, second prize to Maung Phyo Hset Paing of Shan State and third prize to Maung San Shwe Myat of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' piano contest.

Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint gave first prize to Daw Tin Sandar Win of Bago Division, second prize to Daw Sein Sein Yin of Mandalay Division and third prize to Daw Than Than Nyunt and Daw Sithu Soe of Rakhine State in the amateur level (first class) women's piano contest; first prize to Ma Khin Swe Mya Kyi of Mandalay Division, Daw Aye Thida Hlaing of Yangon Division and third prize to Daw Khin San Hlaing of Yangon Division in the amateur level (second class) women's piano contest; first prize to Ma Tin Nilar Win of Ayeyawady Division, second prize to Ma Nay Yi Aung of Mandalay Division and third prize to Ma Tin Zar Aye Lwin of Yangon Division in the higher education level women's piano contest; first prize to Ma Theint Myet Thwe of Yangon Division and second prize to Ma Hnin Aye Wai of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 15-20) women's piano contest; first prize to Ma Phu Ngon Kyaw of Yangon Division, second prize to Ma Wut Yi Kyaw Shwun of Yangon Division and third prize to Ma Aye Chan Moe of Sagaing Division and Ma Yadana Oo of Mandalay Division and special prize to Ma Jaw Sai Zin of Kachin State and Ma Naw Shwe Yi Oo of Kayah State in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' piano contest; Ma Phyo Wai Thaw of Ayeyawady Division, second prize to Ma Aye Chan Moe of Taninthayi Division, third prize to Ma Thet Su Yadana Lin of Mandalay Division and special prize to Ma Sai Thwe Mann of Kachin State in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' piano contest.

Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung gave first prize to U Khin Maung Win of Yangon Division, second prize to U Tin Htway Maung of Mandalay Division and third prize to U Myint Kyi of Yangon Division in the amateur level (first class) men's Myanmar Guitar Contest; first prize to U Than of Bago Division, second prize to U Hla Myint of Yangon Division and third prize to U Tar Naw of Mandalay Division in the amateur level (second class) men's Myanmar Guitar Contest; first prize to Maung Nyi Nyi Lwin of Yangon Division; Maung Kyar Khaing of Bago Division and Maung Aung Thu Naing of Yangon Division in the higher education level men's Myanmar Guitar Contest; first prize to Maung Chan Nyein Aung of Yangon Division, second prize to Maung Aung Naing Soe of Ayeyawady Division and third prize to Maung Aung of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 15-20) men's Myanmar Guitar Contest and first prize to Maung Phyo Min Zaw of Kachin State, second prize to Maung Nann Hteik Yan Tun of Bago Division and third prize to Maung Htet Ko Ko Lin and Maung Min Htut of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boy's Myanmar Guitar contest.

Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Col Thurein Zaw gave first prize to Daw Ohnmar of Ayeyawady Division in the amateur level (first class) Women's Myanmar Guitar contest; first prize to Daw Khaing Khaing Myint of Bago Division, second prize to Daw Ywet Nu Khaing of Mon State in the amateur level (second class) women's Myanmar Guitar Contest; first prize to Ma Lwin Lwin Cho of Ayeyawady Division in the higher education level Women's Myanmar Guitar contest; first prize to Ma Nway Zin Win of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 15-20) women's Myanmar guitar contest; first prize to Ma Phyo Phyo Lin of Bago Division and second prize to Ma Po Ei Kyi Thu Hsan of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' Myanmar Guitar Contest and first prize to Ma May Myat Tin of Ayeyawady Divsion in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' Myanmar Guitar Contest.

Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun gave first prize to U Kyi Shwe of Yangon Division and U Min Zaw of Bago Division, second prize to U Kyaw of Sagaing Division and third prize to U Tin Win of Yangon Division in the amateur level (first class) men's mandolin contest; first prize to U Maung San Htway of Mon State, second prize to Paukkaung Maung Maung Lay (a) U Maung Maung Lwin of Yangon Division and third prize to U Htay Win of Yangon Division and U Tun Naing Oo (a) Ko Phaung of Kayah State in the amateur level (second class) men's mandolin contest and first prize to Maung Kyaw Kyaw Oo of Yangon Division, second prize to Maung Zaw Zaw Aung of Rakhine State and third prize to Maung Moe Naing Aung of Yangon Division in the higher education level men's mandolin contest.

Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein gave the first prize to Maung Aung of Yangon Division, second prize to Maung Aung Hein Oo of Mon State and third prize to Maung Pyaison Phyo of Rakhine State in the basic education level (aged 15-20) men's mandolin contest; the fist prize to Maung Ye Min Aung of Bago Division, second prize to Maung Chan Hein Aung of Yangon Division and third prize to Maung Aung Aung Hein of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boy's mandolin contest; first prize to Maung Pho Thingyan of Yangon Division, second prize to Maung Kyaw Myo Naing of Sagaing Division and third prize to Maung Sithu Tun of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boy's mandolin contest and first prize to Daw Mya Hnin Yee of Yangon Division and second prize to Daw Ohnma of Ayeyawady Division in the amateur level (first class) women's mandolin contest.

Deputy Minsiter for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu gave first prize to Ma Ohnma Kyaw of Mandalay Division, second prize to Daw Nyunt Nyunt Swe of Bago Division and third prize to Ma Nila of Magway Division in the amateur level (second class) women's mandolin contest; first prize to Ma Win Theingi Kyaw of Mandalay Division and second prize to Ma Yupa Aung Lwin of Yangon Division in the higher edcuation level women's mandolin contest; first prize to Ma Phyu Hnin Wai of Bago Divsion and second prize to Ma Nway Zin Win of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 15-20) women's mandolin contest; first prize to Ma Theint Theint Htwe of Bago Division, second prize to Ma Le Yin Win of Kachin State and third prize to Ma Le Le Win of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' mandolin contest and first prize to Ma Dayliar Tun of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Nann Khin May Phu Han of Shan State, second prize to Ma Thet Htar Wai of Yangon Division and third prize to Ma Khin Pyaisone Aung of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' mandolin contest.

Presentation on laying down the detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Election? made at Plenary Session of the National Convention

Yangon, 30 Oct- The following is the clarification and presentation made at the Plenary Session of the National Convention held today in Nyaunghnapin Camp, Hmawby Township, Yangon Division by the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and the Secretary of the National Convention Convening Work Committee on detailed basic principles for the Chapter ?Election? to be included in drafting the State Constitution.

The National Convention designated 15 chapters first for ensuring a systematic approach to the laying down of basic principles and detailed basic principles to draft a new State Constitution. The Chapter ?Election? is one of the 15 Chapters, and two basic principles have been laid down for it.

(a) Every citizen shall have the right to vote and to stand for election according to law.

(b) Voters concerned shall have the right, in accord with provisions of the State Constitution, to recall elected people's representatives.

The sphere of these basic principles is quite wide. Accordingly, based on these two basic principles, it is required of the National Convention to lay down detailed basic principles for the Chapter.

Only then, will it be possible to comply with the rules and regulations in writing and adopting the provisions on election stated in the State Constitution and related laws on election.

Every nation exercising the multi-party democracy system prescribes necessary basic principles in the State Constitution concerned to ensure that every citizen has equal right to vote and to stand for election in accord with the law.

(a) the right of citizens to elect people's representatives who represent them in accord with the law;

(b) the right of citizens to stand for election as people's representatives in accord with the law;

The right stated in paragraph (a) covers all the citizens who have the right to vote. In the process, it is required to fix first the eligible age to vote, in accord with the law. Based on their conditions, some countries fixed the voting age of the citizens 18 or 21 years.

In Myanmar, the voting age is 18 years. People at the age of 18 are mature and intellectual enough to distinguish between good and bad. Paragraph (2) of the Section 76 of the 1947 Constitution says,

Every citizen, who has completed the age of eighteen years and who is not disqualified by law and complies with the provisions of the law regulating elections to the Parliament, shall have the right to vote at any election to the Parliament.

Parliament Election Act 23 promulgated in 1948 based on the provisions of that constitution prescribes,

Subject to the provisions of this Act, every citizen normally living in a constituency and having attained the age of 18 on the date designated by the President is qualified to be on the list of voters.

(b) Every citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote.

Therefore, regarding the right to vote in accord with the tradition of bestowing voting right on every citizen who has turned 18 and who is qualified by law, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

Every citizen who has turned 18 on the date on which elections commence, who is not disqualified by law, who is eligible to vote, and who has the right to vote under the law, shall have the right to vote.

Under the detailed basic principles adopted by the National Convention, Hluttaw members are to be elected to:

In electing members of the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw, at a constituency, a voter shall cast only a vote for a Hluttaw each at an election.

However, the already-laid down detailed basic principles for the formation of the Region or State Hluttaw say:

(a) In Regions or States, Region or State Hluttaw representatives - two elected from each township;

(b) In Regions, Region Hluttaw Representatives - one elected from each national race decided by the authorities concerned as having population which constitutes 0.1 percent of the population of the State, of the remaining national races other than those who have already got the representative Region or a Self-Administrated Area in that region;

(c) In State, State Hluttaw representative - one elected from each national race decided by the authorities concerned as having population which constitutes 0.1 percent of the population of the State, of the remaining national races other than those who have already got the respective State or a Self-Administered Area in that State.

Under these detailed basic principles, it is required to elect Hluttaw representatives of national races. So, those who are qualified by law will have to elect representatives township-wise to the Region or State Hluttaw. In addition, other than the national races who have already got the representative Region or State, the remaining national races that meet the requirements will have the right to elect representatives of national races to the Hluttaws concerned who will represent them.

Therefore, regarding the election of people's representatives to the Hluttaw concerned, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

Every citizen who is eligible to vote and who has the right to vote by the law shall cast only a vote for a Hluttaw each at a constituency.

In addition, people of national races concerned who are eligible to vote in accordance with the provisions of the State Constitution shall have the right to vote in electing representatives of national races to the Region of State Hluttaw concerned.

It is found that the nations practising the multi-party democracy system use ballot in electing people's representatives.

Our country will have to exercise the multi-party democracy system under the basic principles the National Convention has laid down. So, our country should practise ballot in electing people's representatives.

Therefore, regarding ballot, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

All those who have the right to vote should be entrusted with the right to elect people's representatives who represent them. But, members of the Religious Order should not enjoy such a right, nor should persons serving prison terms, persons adjudged to be of unsound mind as provided for in the relevant law, persons who have not yet been cleared from being declared destitute, and those who are banned from voting under the election law.

Therefore, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

In the interests of the electorate concerned, a candidate should stand for election at the constituency only he has already planned, rather than doing so again at another constituency.

The elections held under the 1947 Constitution took place region-wise instead of simultaneously across the nation. In consequence, although a candidate had lost at a parliamentary election in a constituency, he had the right to stand for election again at another constituency. So, it is found that such right is a barrier to electing a real people's representative who wins admiration of the people. Taking lessons from such undesirable incidents, a candidate should be given opportunity to stand for only an election for a Hluttaw at a constituency in practising a discipline-flourishing democratic system.

Some of the detailed basic principles the National Convention has laid down are connected with the delineation of the boundaries of Union territories. The Union territories will be under direct rule of the President, and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will have to prescribe necessary laws for Union territories. So, electorate of the Union territories no longer need to elect Hluttaw members to the Region or State Hluttaw, and will have to elect Hluttaw members to the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw, the two legislative bodies of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

According to the detailed basic principles laid down for electing members of the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw will be made up of a representative from Self-Administered Division or Self-Administered Region along with 12 Amyotha Hluttaw representatives each from a Union territory, region or state and Tatmadaw member Amyotha Hluttaw members.

Accordingly, 12 members each from a Region or State or a Union territory will be elected. In the process, after due number of constituencies for the Amyotha Hluttaw is fixed, electorate living in a Union territory concerned will have to elect 12 Amyotha Hluttaw members each.

And electorate of the constituencies concerned will have to elect Pyithu Hluttaw members.

So, a detailed basic principle ?Electorate living in the Union territories shall elect Pyithu Hluttaw members? should be adopted.

Moreover, after a Region or State Hluttaw member from a township or constituency in a Region or State is elected, and that township or constituency is prescribed under extraordinary circumstances as a Union territory by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw with respect to national defence, security, administration, and economic affairs, the said township or constituency will be under direct rule of the Union President.

In this regard, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is solely responsible to prescribe necessary laws for that township or constituency. And the Region or State Hluttaw no longer needs to prescribe necessary laws for that township or constituency. So, it needs to decide whether a Region or State Hluttaw member elected in that township or constituency should continue to stand as a Region or State Hluttaw member.

It is found that when the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw needs to prescribe law to delineate a Union territory regarding the right of an elected Region or State Hluttaw member to continue to stand as the Region or State Hluttaw member due to the designation of the constituency that has elected him, as a Union territory other than the fact he is no longer allowed to stand as a Region or State Hluttaw member due to his disqualifications or violation of any provision of the Constitution, that point should be taken into consideration to promulgate a law. In addition, save as otherwise provided by this Constitution, such Region or State Hluttaw member should no longer be allowed to stand as a Region or State Hluttaw member.

Therefore, regarding elections for Union territories, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

(a) Electorate living in the Union territories, or the Union territories designated by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw under the law, shall elect members of the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw only.

(b) Save as otherwise prescribed by the Constitution, a Region or State Hluttaw member elected in a constituency that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has designated as a Union territory shall no longer stand as a Hluttaw member

An already-laid down basic principle on election has bestowed rights on every citizen to vote and to stand for elections in accord with the law. Every citizen can enjoy such rights only when these rights are manifested in the Constitution.

Therefore, the rights of citizens to stand for elections, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

Every citizen who is not disqualified by the provisions of this Constitution and the provisions of the law regulating elections shall have the right to stand for election to a Hluttaw

One of the already-laid down detailed basic principles regulating election says, ?Electorate concerned shall, in accord with the provisions of the State Constitution, have the right to recall the elected people's representatives?. Necessary procedures to recall an elected people's representative should be prescribed in this Constitution, so that these procedures can be used as references in promulgating laws regulating election. The National Convention will have to adopt necessary detailed basic principles regarding such procedures. Section 78 of the 1947 Constitution prescribes:

The Parliament may by law prescribe the conditions under and the manner in which a member of either Chamber of Parliament may be recalled.

In this regard, although power to recall a people's representative was vested, the then parliament failed to promulgate a law on recall. So, it is perceived that the right bestowed by the then State Constitution could not be exercised.

Any organ of State or the people who have elected and assigned duties to a people' representative or an organ wishing to recall such representative or organ for any of the following reasons, shall have the right to do so in accord with law:

In accord with the provisions of that Constitution, the Pyithu Hluttaw promulgated the law on recall under Pyithu Hluttaw Law No 13 in 1975. The law carried procedures to be abided by in recalling people's representatives, and members of people's council, and organizations or members of the Pyithu Hluttaw or people's councils at all levels.

A Hluttaw member is, indeed, a person on whom the people can place reliance. So, the electorate concerned should be vested with the right to recall the Hluttaw member they have elected if he has betrayed the State, violated a provision of the Constitution, or committed a misbehaviour. In this regard, the maximum number of the voters necessary to recall a Hluttaw member should be fixed. In doing so, the required maximum number will be neither so many nor so few if the quorum is fixed one percent of all the voters.

So, if the wish arises to recall a Hluttaw member, the complaint about the Hluttaw member endorsed by at least one percent of the initial number of the voters of the constituency concerned should be submitted to the Election Commission.

After receiving such complainant document, the Election Commission should conduct an investigation into the case in accord with the law. In the process, the Hluttaw member concerned should be vested with the right to rebut the accusation in person or through a representative.

If the commission finds the accusation true and considers that the Hluttaw member should no longer serve as a Hluttaw member, the commission should take action in accord with the law on recall.

Therefore, regarding the procedures on recall, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

(b) Complaint about the Hluttaw member endorsed by at least one percent of initial number of the voters of the constituency concerned shall be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.

(a) Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall conduct investigation into the case in accord with the law.

(b) While the case is under investigation, the Hluttaw member concerned shall have the right to rebut the accusation in person or through a representative.

(c) The Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall, finding the accusation true and considering the Hluttaw member should no longer carry out duties, take action in accord with the law

A State Constitution carries basic principles and detailed basic principles on election and recall. In respect of election, at present, Myanmar practises the system of electing one Hluttaw member from a constituency each. However, many countries have made the system of setting up a large constituency to elect more than one Hluttaw member, and designating the number of Hluttaw members in proportion to the votes. So, to catch up with the changes, necessary laws should be prescribed in accord with the resolutions of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

Therefore, regarding election and recall, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

One of the six objectives prescribed in basic principles the National Convention has laid down is ?Flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system?. It means the part ?election? plays a major role in a bid to ensure flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system. Therefore, two basic principles on election-?Every citizen shall have the right to vote and to stand for election in accord with the law? and ?Electorate concerned shall, in accord with the provisions of the State Constitution, have the right to recall the elected people's representatives? have been laid down. So, it is required to form an organization to implement the laws prescribed in accord with the already-laid down policies.

Furthermore, in the exercise of the multi-party democracy system, political parties will be formed. Regarding political parties, the National Convention has laid down the basic principle ?The State shall prescribe necessary laws to systematically form political parties for ensuring flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system.

So, a Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be formed to implement functions on election as well as the laws on political parties. Now, presentation will be made on the persons and organizations that organized the elections in our country.

The Myanmar (Administration) Act 1935 came into force on 1 April 1937, and it was exercised for five years till the beginning of World War II. It can be said to be the first important experiment for a Dominion-like democratic government. Then, broader right to vote and to stand for election were bestowed after promulgating laws, bye-laws and orders on election. To organize the elections, duties were assigned to newly-appointed officers for election rather than formation of a commission or organizations.

During the post-war period and the post-independence period, an election commissioner for elections was appointed and elections were held under his management and supervision. Usually, joint secretaries from the Ministry of Justice were appointed as election commissioners.

The previous parliament promulgated an Election Commission Act in 1961. Under that Act, the joint sitting of the two parliamentary Hluttaws of the Union of Myanmar held on 20 March 1961 made an approval to appoint election commission members. The then President sought the view of the Supreme Court of the State under Section 151 of the State Constitution. In response to the proposal of appointing election commissioners, the Supreme Court of the State gave its view to seek again the approval from the joint sitting of the two Hluttaws.

Under the Constitution Act (second) and Amendment Act (1961 Act VII), ?Chapter 6-Elections? regulating election was prescribed after making many amendments to Section 113. Section 113 (b) (1) prescribed, ?An election commission shall be formed with a chief election commissioner and not more than four other election commissioners appointed under the order signed by the President with the approval of the joint sitting of the two parliamentary Hluttaws. Section 113 (b) (2) prescribed, ?Should need arise, the President shall appoint a chief election commissioner and the election commissioners on the date on which the parliament is dissolved. However, the approval of the joint sitting of the two parliament Hluttaws for that appointment shall be sought at the first session of the next parliament.

And Section 113 (a) prescribed, ?Supervisory, directing and administrative powers shall, regarding making lists of voters, holding parliament elections, and holding elections without infringing the provisions of this Constitution or work programmes and bye-laws of the two parliamentary Hluttaws or the provisions of Presidential Election Act 1949 for any election, be vested in the Election Commission formed under Section 113 (b).

In view of the points that have been presented, it can be noticed that now is at a turning point in the history of elections in Myanmar. In the past, the person appointed as the election commissioner was vested with exclusive power to take responsibilities for the elections. And due to the amendments to Section 113, such a task was carried out by a group consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners. The one-year-old election commission formed under the amendments to the section comprised Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma U Tin as Chief Election Commissioner and Thadoe Maha Thayay Sithu U Chan Tun Aung and Wunna Kyaw Htin U Ohn Pe as election commissioners. Section 113 indicated that in the Myanmar election history, the system of solely taking responsibilities for elections was transformed into the system of taking responsibilities by a commission alone.

The Revolutionary Council assumed State responsibilities on 2 March 1962. Then, it drafted the State Constitution and formed the Referendum Commission under Notification No.105 comprising U Dein Ratan as chairman and 25 members in accord with the referendum law to adopt the State constitution.

After adopting the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Revolutionary Council formed the first commission for electing Pyithu Hluttaw and Pyithu Councils at different levels comprising Chairman U Soe Ya and 26 members under Notification No. 107 on 17 December 1973 to the first election of people's representatives to the Pyithu Hluttaw and people's councils at all levels.

That Commission then formed sub-commissions at state and division, township, ward and village-tract levels in accord with the law to enable the people to elect people's representatives. The first, second, third and fourth Pyithu Hluttaw meetings formed commissions for electing Pyithu Hluttaw and people's councils at different levels to organize the elections.

The fourth Pyithu Hluttaw meeting held on 11 September 1988 formed the Multi-Party Democracy General Election Commission to complete the multi-party democracy elections. However, the situation of the nation was deteriorating day by day and the nation was on the verge of collapse. So, the Tatmadaw had to take up the State responsibilities on 18 September 1988. Then, the Tatmadaw formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council. In its Notification No. 1/88 dated 18 September 1988, the SLORC said that the then election commission would remain in force for successful completion of the multi-party general elections.

The 1947 Constitution and the constitutions of some countries prescribe formation of election commissions, and qualifications, responsibilities and rights set for commission members.

Our nation is going to exercise the discipline-flourishing democratic system, so elections for the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Region or State Hluttaw will be held from time to time, and tasks for holding elections will be carried out continuously. In addition, there will be many tasks such as formation of sub-commissions at different levels to supervise the work, designation of constituencies, taking arrangements, making lists of voters. Therefore, a permanent Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be formed and a chairman and members should be appointed to the Commission in accord with the law.

The Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to supervise electoral work and should scrutinize and assess the notes of electoral complaints. Moreover, political parties should be under control by means of prescribing bye-laws in accord with the provisions of this Constitution and procedures and directives in accord with the laws concerned.

With respect to assigning duties to the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, the President should appoint at least five members including the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions relating to the appointment of Union minister stated in the Constitution.

The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should have due qualifications. Having to carry out demanding tasks, such persons should be the ones with security outlook, political outlook, legal outlook and administrative outlook. And they should be the ones who are well-experienced with prestige and good characters. Besides, such persons should be the ones age above 50 years.

The National Convention has designated qualifications to be possessed by a Pyithu Hluttaw member, as well as disqualifications, with which a person cannot stand for election to the Pyithu Hluttaw, as detailed basic principles. In accord with these policies, a detailed basic principle should be adopted that except the restriction on age, a Pyithu Hluttaw member shall possess due qualifications.

The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to take responsibilities for elections stipulated in the Constitution. So, such persons are the ones loyal to the State and the people. And they should not be members of a political party so that they will be able to carry out electoral tasks without attachment to their parties and factionalism. So, the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should not be Hluttaw members. The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission need to carry out their tasks in consistency with the law, so except the positions in the Commission, they should not accept any other positions through which they can enjoy salaries and allowances.

Therefore, regarding the formation of Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions, to be made to decide the points:

(a) The President shall form a Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission. In the process, he may appoint at least five members including the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions on appointment of Union minister stated in the Constitution.

(b) The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission shall be the ones who –

(3) (aa) have served in the post of Union Chief Justice or Union supreme court judge; Region or State High Court judge or in a position equivalent to the post of Region or State High Court judge at least five years; (or)

(bb) have served in the post of judicial officer or law officer that is not lower than Region or State level for at least 10 years; (or)

(5) comply with provisions, with which they have no right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw members.

(9) do not accept any other positions from which they can enjoy salaries and allowances.

We can notice that the Pyidaungsu Election Commission plays a key role in the drive for the emergence of genuine multi-party democracy system with flourishing discipline. Under the future State Constitution, elections will be held in accord with the law to elect members to the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Region or State Hluttaw. The Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to discharge these functions and to supervise the tasks in accord with the law to ensure free and fair elections. Elections will be held across the nation, so sub-commissions at different levels will have to supervise the electoral procedures to ensure smooth operation of elections.

So, the Election Commission should be vested with powers such as holding elections to Hluttaws, supervising tasks for elections to Hluttaws, and supervising the work of sub-commissions at all levels.

Under the future State Constitution, the people will have to elect members of the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Region or State Hluttaw in accord with the law. In the process, 12 Amyotha Hluttaw members will be elected from each Region or State including Union territories. And 330 members from across the nation will be elected to the Pyithu Hluttaw in accord with the law based on the population and the situations of the township concerned. In addition, two members each from the townships will be elected to the Region or State Hluttaw.

National races will enjoy the right to elect representatives of national races who will represent them as Region or State Hluttaw members in accord with the law.

So, constituencies will have to be designated for the Hluttaw concerned. In the process, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should take responsibilities for ensuring smooth functions in designating constituencies in proportion to the population and the township concerned.

So, tasks for designation of constituencies and making arrangements should be vested in the Election Commission.

One of the most important tasks for an election is to make lists of voters. Only when all the eligible voters are put on the lists of voters, can the people enjoy a fundamental right to elect people's representatives in accord with the law who represent them. Those who have the right to vote by law should be vested with the right to vote.

So, the Election Commission should be assigned duties to make lists of voters that will guarantee that all the citizens eligible to vote and all the citizens who have the right to vote by law have the right to vote. The Pyidaungsu Election Commission should also be entrusted with the duties to make preparations so that amendments can be made occasionally to the lists of the voters.

As I have presented, the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is going to hold free and fair elections in accord with the law in our country to elect members to the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Pyithu Hluttaw, and the Region and State Hluttaw.

In this regard, the Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to put off the elections that are not in a position to be held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or the situation of regional security.

So, the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be given duties to put off the elections that cannot be duly held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or regional security.

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will have to prescribe necessary laws on elections and political parties. These necessary laws will be prescribed in brief. So, only when detailed facts about the necessary laws are issued through bye-laws, procedures and directives, will the bodies at all levels be able to complete their functions effectively across the country.

So, the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be given responsibilities to issue necessary laws on election and political parties in accord with the provisions of this Constitution and procedures and directives in accord with the laws concerned.

In holding elections, only a Hluttaw member will be elected from a constituency each. So, more than one candidate can stand for an election in a constituency. Naturally, winners are satisfied with the election results, whereas some losers complain about the results. So, electoral benches are to be formed in accord with the law to approach such electoral disputes.

So, the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be vested with the responsibility to form election benches to resolve electoral disputes.

The Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to discharge electoral procedures in addition to its original duties prescribed in the State Constitution. In addition, it will have to carry out duties prescribed from time to time under the laws by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

So, a point ?discharging duties assigned under a law should be prescribed in the duties of the Election Commission.

Therefore, regarding designation of duties of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the points:

(b) supervising Hluttaw elections, and forming and supervising sub-commissions at all levels;

(e) putting off elections that are not in a position to be held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or local security;

(f) issuing necessary laws on election and political parties in accord with the provisions of this Constitution and procedures and directives in accord with the laws concerned;

A member of any organization to be formed under the future Constitution can be blamed and charged for any of the following reasons:

The chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should also be blamed and charged for any of these reasons. So, if the President has to put blame on or charge the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, he should do so in accord with the provisions prescribed in the State Constitution on blaming the Union Chief Justice or any of Union Supreme Court judges.

Therefore, regarding the matters on blaming and charging the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the points:

If the President has to blame and charge the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, he shall do so in accord with the provisions prescribed in this Constitution on blaming the Union Chief Justice or any of Union Supreme Court judges

If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in service wish to resign of his own accord due to his health condition or any of other reasons, he should have the right to do so.

Therefore, regarding resignation of a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the points:

If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in service wish to resign of his own accord due to his health condition or any of other reasons, he may submit his resignation to the President

If the seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is vacant due to resignation, termination of responsibilities, death, or any of other reasons, the President should appoint a new chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions on appointment of a Union minister enumerated in the State Constitution.

Therefore, regarding a vacant seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the points:

If the seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is vacant due to resignation, termination of responsibilities, death, or any of other reasons, the President may appoint a new chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions on appointment of a Union minister enumerated in the State Constitution.

Vacant seats of the chairman or members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission should be filled with qualified persons from both inside or ourside State service. One of the requirements set for the chairman or members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission says, ?The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission shall be the ones who do not accept any other positions from which they can enjoy salaries and allowances?. So, if the chairman or members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, he should retire in accord with existing civil service rules and regulations.

Therefore, regarding measures to be taken if the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, he shall be deemed to have resigned from civil service in accord with the existing civil service rules and regulations from the date he is appointed as the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.

The bodies and persons, who organized the elections held in Myanmar under the 1947 Constitution, had to supervise electoral procedures, while the electoral benches heard the electoral disputes and took action.

However, the commissions for electing the Pyithu Hluttaw and people's councils at different levels formed under the 1974 Constitution scrutinized and handled the notes of electoral complaints in accord with the law in addition to electoral procedures.

The ongoing Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission carries out electoral procedures, and the electoral benches the government formed scrutinize and handle the notes of electoral disputes.

Some of the members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission to be formed under the future State Constitution possibly be legal experts. So, benches should be formed in accord with the law to complete electoral procedures and to handle the notes of electoral complaints in accord with the law.

Such a commission formed with competent members will be able to make correct decisions in accord with the law on matters in connection with elections and political parties. So, the Commission's decision should be final.

Therefore, regarding decisions of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

The Pyidaungsu Election Commission's action and measures over the following matters shall be final:

The Pyidaungsu Election Commission will have to organize elections across the nation, supervise electoral procedures for ensuring free and fair elections, form and supervise the tasks of sub-commissions at different levels, designate and arrange constituencies, make and arrange lists of voters, put off the elections that are not in a position to be held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or the situation of local security, form electoral benches in accord with the law to scrutinize and settle electoral disputes, and discharge duties assigned to it under a law. Our nation is on the correct path towards the multi-party democracy system. So, it will also have to issue the political party law in accord with the provisions of the State Constitution, and procedures and directives in accord with the laws concerned to take systematic control over the political parties. So, a detailed basic principle should be adopted to be able to refer to responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in prescribing laws to designate their responsibilities, powers and rights.

In laying down detailed basic principles, the role of the Union Chief Justice is designated to be equivalent to the position of a Vice-President and the role of the Union Supreme Court Judge, to the position of a Union minister. So, the role of the chairman of the election commission should be designated to be equivalent to the position of the Vice-President, and the role of a member, to the position of a Union minister.

That matter should be prescribed in a separate law instead of adopting it as a detailed basic principle in the State Constitution.

Therefore, regarding the designation of responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the points:

Responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall prescribed by law.

The role of the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is designated to be equivalent to the position of a Vice-President, and a member, to the position of a Union minister in order to make reference to responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in prescribing laws

Presentation has been made on the points that should be laid down as detailed basic principles for the Chapter Election?. A collection of these points putting together will be made for your convenience in studying them.

(a) Every citizen who has turned 18 on the date on which elections commence, who is not disqualified by law, who is eligible to vote, and who has the right to vote under the law, shall have the right to vote.

(b) Every citizen who is eligible to vote and who has the right to vote by the law shall cast only a vote for a Hluttaw each at a constituency.

(c) In addition, people of national races concerned who are eligible to vote in accord with the provisions of the State Constitution shall have the right to vote in electing representatives of national races to the Region of State Hluttaw concerned.

4. (a) Electorate living in the Union territories, or the Union territories designated by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw under the law, shall elect members of the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw only.

(b)Save as otherwise prescribed by the Constitution, a Region or State Hluttaw member elected in a constituency that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has designated as a Union territory shall no longer stand as a Hluttaw member.

5. Every citizen who is not disqualified by the provisions of this Constitution and the provisions of the law regulating elections shall have the right to stand for election to a Hluttaw.

(b)Complaint about the Hluttaw member endorsed by at least one percent of initial number of the voters of the constituency concerned shall be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.

(c)Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall conduct investigation into the case in accord with the law.

(d) While the case is under investigation, the Hluttaw member concerned shall have the right to rebut the accusation in person or through a representative.

(d) The Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall, finding the accusation true and considering the Hluttaw member should no longer carry out duties, take action in accord with the law.

7. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw shall prescribe necessary laws on election and recall.

(b) The chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Election Commission shall be the ones who-

(3) (aa) have served in the post of Union Chief Justice or Union Supreme Court judge; Region or State High Court judge or in a position equivalent to the post of Region or State High Court judge at least five years; (or)

(bb)have served in the post of judicial officer or law officer that is not lower than Region or State level for at least 10 years; (or)

(dd) are deemed to be celebrities with prestige by the President.
(4) are well-experienced with good characters.

(5)comply with provisions, with which they have no right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw members.

(9) do not accept any other positions from which they can enjoy salaries and allowances.

(b) supervising Hluttaw elections, and forming and supervising sub-commissions at all levels;

(e) putting off elections that are not in a position to be held in a free and fair way in some constituencies due to natural disasters or local security;

(f) issuing necessary laws on elections and political parties in accord with the provisions of this Constitution and procedures and directives in accord with the laws concerned;

11.If the President has to blame and charge the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission, he shall do so in accord with the provisions prescribed in this Constitution on blaming the Union Chief Justice or any of Union Supreme Court judges.

.(a) If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in service wishes to resign of his own accord due to his health condition or any of other reasons, he may submit his resignation to the President.

(b)If the seat of the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is vacant due to resignation, termination of responsibilities, death, or any of other

(c)reasons, the President may appoint a new chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in accord with the provisions on appointment of a Union minister enumerated in the State Constitution.

(d) If the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is a government employee, he shall be deemed to have resigned from civil service in accord with the existing civil service rules and regulations from the date he is appointed as the chairman or a member of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission.

12. The Pyidaungsu Election Commission's action and measures over the following matters shall be final

13. Responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission shall be prescribed by law.

14. The role of the chairman of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission is designated to be equivalent to the position of a Vice-President, and a member, to the position of a Union minister in order to make reference to responsibilities, powers and rights of the chairman and members of the Pyidaungsu Election Commission in prescribing laws.

In this regard, you delegates should hold discussions and make suggestions so as to decide whether the points that have been presented should be adopted as detailed principles and proposals if you have should be submitted. Some more points relating to the Chapter ?Election? will be presented. The Plenary Session of the National Convention held from 28 to 30 March 1996 laid down detailed basic principles for the formation of Legislation, Executive and Judiciary, and some of them are related to qualifications set for a Pyithu Hluttaw member.

These detailed basic principles related them will be presented for recollection of your memory. In connection with the prescribing of the qualifications of the Pyithu Hluttaw members, a detailed basic principle has been adopted that-

Persons who possess the following qualifications have the right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw representatives;

(c) having settled in the Union of Myanmar for at least 10 consecutive years up to the time of being elected Pyithu Hluttaw representative;

In connection with those who have no right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw representatives:

The following persons shall not have the right to stand for election as Pyithu Hluttaw representatives:

(a) person serving prison term, having been convicted by the court concerned for having committed an offence;

person still within the period the authorities have prescribed that he or she has no right to be elected as Pyithu Hluttaw representative for having been punished for a commitment of offence that makes him or her lose qualifications required of a Pyithu Hluttaw representative before or after the State Constitution comes into force;

(e)person owing allegiance to a foreign government, or a subject of a foreign government or a citizen of a foreign country;

(f)person who is entitled to rights and privileges of a subject of a foreign government, or a citizen of a foreign county;

(g)person who obtains and makes use of member of an organization that obtains and makes use of money, land, housing, building, vehicle, property etc. directly or indirectly

(h) person who commits or abets or member of an organization that commits or abets acts of inciting, making speeches or issuing declarations to vote or not to vote;

proviso: The expression shall not apply to Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives.

(k) person who obtains and makes use or member of an organization that obtains and makes use of State funds, land, housing, buildings, vehicles or property directly or indirectly;

proviso: (1) The expression ?The State funds' does not apply to pension or allowances officially granted by the State for services rendered for the benefit of the State.

(2) The expression ?land, housing, building, vehicles and property belonging to the State does not apply to State-owned land, housing, buildings and apartments, other buildings and apartments. State-owned aircraft, trains, vessels and motorcars and property etc. which have been permitted by the State to be used under an existing law or as required by duty, or leased from the State on payment;

(l) person still within the period the authorities have prescribed that he or she has no right to be elected as Pyithu Hluttaw preventative for commission of an unlawful act or for failure to act in conformity under the election law making him or her lose qualifications required of a Pyithu Hluttaw representative before or after the State Constitution comes into force.

Hluttaw members including members of the Pyithu Hluttaw who will take part in the legislative sector, one of the three sovereign powers of the State - legislation, executive and judiciary - should catch up with the political, administrative, economic, social and national races affairs of the State. Only then, will they be able to carry out legislative functions effectively. The detailed basic principle ?Pyithu Hluttaw representatives shall have settled in the Union of Myanmar for at least 10 consecutive years up to the time of being elected Pyithu Hluttaw representative?. Disputes may arise in future if there is no explanation about the stay of national people who went abroad for further study under the permission of the government, on business or on personal affairs. Now, the nation has launched the market-oriented economic system. Therefore, many nationals are staying in foreign countries on duty with the permission of the government, or on business, or on personal affairs. Such stay in foreign countries should be deemed to have settled in the Union.

Therefore, discussions are to be held and suggestions to be made whether the point:

The period of staying abroad with the permission of the government shall be deemed to have settled in the Union? should be adopted as the provision under the detailed basic principle:

having settled in the Union of Myanmar for at least 10 consecutive years up to the time of being elected as Pyithu Hluttaw representative.

Yangon, 30 Oct - Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun met with officials of Myanma Economic Bank and Internal Revenue Department here today.

At the meeting held at IRD here, the minister urged them to make efforts for effectiveness of the services of the departments in accord with the rules and regulations and to carry out tasks of the departments dutifully.

He also urged officials to strive to effectively apply the information and communication technology that are undergoing changes and developments.

After the meeting, the minister inspected Internal Revenue Department and Savings Bank-1 (Branch) and fulfilled the requirements.

He also went to the container inspection division at Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty and inspected the tasks being carried out by members of the inspection group with the use of X-Ray Scanning.

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Oct-The New Kayan State Party issued a declaration on its stance over the decision to put Myanmar on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

1. Owing to the submission of the US permanent representative to the UN, a decision was made on 15 September 2006 to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC.

2. In the Union of Myanmar all the national race groups are making concerted efforts together with the government for regional development. They are now on the path of progress and development.

3. As Myanmar is seeing prevalence of peace and stability and marked development there is no reason for the nation to pose a threat to regional stability.

4. The accusation of the US is just an act of interfering in Myanmar's internal affairs, ignoring peace and stability and development so far achieved in the nation. That was why the peace group declared that it protests and condemns such act of the US.

Monks of Htilin, Maha Wizikarama monasteries in Mandalay deny signing paper to collect public signatures Ex-NLD member refuses to sign as the campaign is unreasonable and gives priority only to personal interest

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Oct - Members of the so-called ?88' generation students group announced by a certain foreign radio station that the Buddhist monks had also signed the papers to collect public signatures.

But the monks of Htilin monastery in Mandalay as well as those of Maha Wizikarama monastery denied the announcement on 27 October, saying that they hadn't heard of any member of the Sangha of their monasteries or any of the monasteries in the surroundings give their signatures; that it was a wicked scheme to cause illusion among the people who revered religion; that as the monks were striving for promotion, propagation and perpetuation of the Sasana, they had no wish at all to sign the paper; that the members of the Sangha would never allow any person, group or political party to use them for its interest.

The announcement also said that the attempts to launch an organizational campaign with the use of false names of monks and monasteries and fake signs maylead peace-loving people to lose faith in the monks; that such acts should not be tolerated.

U Khin Soe, an ex-NLD member of Latha Township, Yangon, while on the way from his home to an optical shop on 24 October afternoon ran across Ko Hla Aung, a political agent, on Shwebontha Street in Pabedan Township. Ko Hla Aung tried to press U Khin Soe into signing the paper. But U Khin Soe refused to give his signature, telling him that the signature campaign was unreasonable as it gave priority only to the personal interest; and that the campaign did not serve the interest of the nation and the people at all.

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Oct - Mr Jacque Lancien Erwan, adviser of Theatre de la Villa, Paris, France, viewed the performances of the contestants of the 14th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at the University of Veterinary Science (Yezin) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening.

Mr Erwan viewed the performance of Myanmar orchestra of amateur (first level) and artistes playing Myanmar harp, xylophone, donmin, mandolin and violin.

Secretary of the 14th MTCPAC Organizing Leading Committee Col Yan Naing Oo of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, Director-General U Ngwe Tun of Fine Arts Department and musicians Bogale U Tint Aung and Gita Lulin U Ko Ko assisted him to understand Myanmar culture.

The French adviser was on his tour of Southeast Asian nations to study their culture and to invite the artiste of those countries to participate in the cultural festivals of France. He arrived in Myanmar from Thailand to study genuine Myanmar culture and invite Myanmar artistes.

Yangon, 30 Oct- Under the Program of Initiative for ASEAN Integration- IAI Work Plan Project, Civil Service Selection and Training Board and Asean Secretariat conducted Tourism Development and Management Course at Traders Hotel here this morning.

The three-day course was opened with an address by Director-General U Hla Kyi of Civil Service Department. Next, Project Officer of Asean Secretariat Ms Chandrasa Edhityas Sjamsudin briefed on the purpose of the course.

Mr Teo Puaay Kin and Ms Francis Soh Kok Yuen of International Trade Institute of Singapore will give lecture at the course. A total of 20 officers from Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Ministry of Forestry are attending the course.

Yangon, 30 Oct- Myanmar Fisheries Association ( MFA ) will host Workshop on Marine Turtle Conservation and Management ( Year of the Turtle 2006 ) at MFA here on 6 November.

Since 2001, Myanmar has carried out measures for conservation of turtles joining hands with Indian Ocean nations and South East Asian nations.

The Fisheries Department invited those responsible to participate in the workshop.