9 | THE JUNTA’S POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION LAW: ENSURING OBEDIENCE In January 2023, the junta enacted a new Political Parties Registration Law, which mandated that every party re-register with the SAC-appointed Union Election Commission or be dissolved. 40 political groups, including the National League for Democracy (NLD) and dozens of ethnic parties, refused to comply and were banned as a result in March 2023. The new law also introduced a registration process under strict oversight by the UEC, and high thresholds for Unionlevel political parties. Parties seeking to compete in elections nationwide are required to deposit 100 million kyat (approximately US$50,000) into a bank account, recruit 50,000 members, and establish offices in at least one-third of all townships (110)14. Establishing a political party locally is much easier, with 1,000 members, five party offices, and a deposit of 10 million kyat (approximately US$5,000) required. However, these parties will be able to stand for election in only one state or region. This distinction did not exist in previous elections, as registered parties were free to compete in any area. The significant disparity between national and local requirements ensures that few groups will be in a position to challenge the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) nationwide. 14 Initially 100,000 members and half of all townships, lowered on 30 January 2024 by State Administration Council Law No. 15/2024 41