Leaders of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) expects the regime-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) might disband their party after it missed a deadline to audit its financial records.

The SNLD and the National League for Democracy (NLD) and two other parties missed the 14 February date. The UEC sent a notice to all four parties on 23 February asking them to come to its office within two weeks, otherwise they could be charged with violating election laws, which carries a three year suspension.

“According to the election mechanism, the UEC can inspect all registered parties. We did not commit any wrong doing so we do not need to be inspected at the UEC office,” said SNLD spokesperson Sai Leik. “If they want to inspect our party, they can come to our party headquarters.”

The SNLD secured the second most seats in Shan State in the 2020 race.

“Whether they decide to abolish or suspend our party is up to the UEC. We’ll continue to adhere to the policies of our party,” the SNLD spokesperson said.

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and most of the other NLD leaders were arrested after the coup. While SNLD leaders have been arrested before by previous military regimes, this is the first time the party has been threatened with disbandment since the recent take over.