The Election Commission of Burma has rejected the Zomi National Congress’s (ZNC) application registration as a legal party because the party’s name is unacceptable to the central government.
Pu Cin Sian Thang, the Chairman of ZNC told Khonumthung that the party submitted an official letter for registration to the Union Election Commission on 8 March 2012, but the party was denied the opportunity to operate as a legal party. The Election Commission suggested to the party this month that it change the name of the party.
“Our application has not been totally rejected but the Election Commission suggests submitting a letter for registration with a different party name. The commission wants the party to submit the application for registration within May 31,” said the ZNC’s Chairman.
It is learnt that the Election Commission has rejected the application by the party on the argument that Zomi nationals do not exist in Burma.
“It is just to deny us our rights,” said Pu Cin Sian Thang.
Most Teddim and Tonzang Township people in northern Chin state call themselves Zomi and the party was registered in 1988 to function as a political organization.
The ZNC lead by Pu Cin Sian Thang won two seats from Teddim and Tonzang constituencies in the 1990 Burmese general election. But the government cancelled its registration in 1992.
The ZNC party Chairman added that the party will change its name this week and submit a fresh application for registration to the Election Commission. Khonumthung news