"We don't know yet! Whether regime would allow any parliamentarian seats (space) for veteran politicians?" An old political activist said in Rangoon few days ago. Many old political groups from before 1962, are actively gathering, mapping and dreaming about a new parliament beyond 2010. One possible thing is NLD wasn't able to contest or participate in the political process unless Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be allowed in the process of 2010.
"Look! We have grand opportunity in the next parliament while NLD is inability to do so, let's Rock & Roll." Physically survivals from parliamentarian democracy period, these old hands started using 'political motivation' within their community. Indeed, political space seemed to be in somewhere in 2010, but this is not Burmese people expected. Many old timers echoed unofficial remarks from INGOs' community said that 2010 election is another option for democratic movement.
The exile base seasonal political party rushed to inject some fund for inside old hands for political mapping and possible coalition between ethnic and democrats. Many old timers believe that financial support and magic consideration that might create seats in the parliament. Indeed, former AFPFL followers are waiting for this opportunity.
One of the 88 generations angered "these people from former AFPFL seemed holding lottery ticket that might not have real price. Today Burma politics would not have any space for the rusted names, unlike Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; all of the former leaders' relatives need to show how they have sacrificed and continuity for the people and the country. Only name is the name nothing more, unless they have something to do during this fever."
"Of cause money is part of the factor to win in the real democratic election, now many believe that regime is only key factor in the 2010 election process." said a former NLD player. During Saffron Revolution, few used to approach a former PM General Khin Nyunt's group, but they turned the proposal down, because former MIS were aware that this is not a final political game but just economic dissatisfaction.
Regime is unlikely to allow these former politicians in the 2010 process. Regime's grand plan of 2010 election is winner take all. Regime's first phase of planning is fact finding missions. Regime has sent mid-level generals to visit their relatives in upcountry. Asking social issues, offering to assist the economic and social hardship. Indeed, they are avoiding human rights issues but offering water well projects for the local people, and fixing monasteries but they are not raising USDA to be a political party. 'A Key Message' is the Generals are just purely helping the community and they should be the one to lead the country in 2010 election.
Regime is holding election law in their hands, they can change anything and anytime they want, just fishing who would be a front line and eager to know these people would be endangering for their process.
Current political process is based on 1988 popular movement and NLD is only party fights for freedom, should not think that NLD is not leading to the goal. Regardless of losing the political role in 1990 election process, the old timers should consider that their capacity is able to challenge the regime's iron policy? One said they are going into the regime game and struggle within, but these floating ideas have been expected from regime as well. The regime is not naïve and if so, democrats have gained a power for long ago.
Breaking from NLD's face to face political battle with regime, these old timers are not greater than cowards. Without students' and grassroots' support, these dreamers would face negative history. Did they take any responsibility for 1962 coup by late general Ne Win? Did they ever admit that they make a huge mistake that country went under military dictatorship? While 1988 generation and new generation are being in the prisons and why 1962 generation should take this opportunity? The Burmese political history would definitely record these opportunists who have no political guts.
