The office is located near the Dat-Daw Monastery and previously served as the AMDP base. The shared space is considered the first step toward party unification and was established after negotiations between local members of the two parties, according to Dr. Min Kyi Win, Joint Secretary (1) of the MDP.

“The MDP has established its office in Kamarwat Region. Members from both parties held a press conference and explained in detail the agreements regarding the two parties’ union.”

MDP leaders Nai Tin Aung, Dr. Min Kyi Win, Mon Raja, and Nai Soe Myint led the ceremony that was attended by about 200 community members and representatives of the Kamarwat AMDP.

“Following official procedures, we have already informed the Mudon Township Commission about establishing the office. The Commission questioned why the two parties launched the single sign. We explained that the laws do not say that two parties cannot share a billboard and we will give our explanation to the central commission as well,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win.

Leaders from both parties issued a joint statement on October 13 that set December 2014 as the deadline for AMDP and MDP unification. Since talk of merging began, Mon locals have reportedly urged the two parties to share an office.

The Mon Patriotic Group formed on October 20 and comprised of Kamarwat Mon national activists, the Buddhism, Mon Literature and Culture Committee, and local members of the AMDP and MDP released a statement supporting the union, asserting the importance for Mon nationals to stand together under a single political platform.

“We determined that the two parties would raise a flag and unveil the billboard at one location. Now, our decision is materializing. If the two parties fail to keep their promise of unifying in December 2014, we will wholly oppose them,” said a young member of Mon Patriotic Group.