The National Democratic Party for Development (NDPD) opened a branch office in Maungdaw today at 14:00 hours (after Jumma, Muslim Friday prayers), said a trader who attended the inaugural ceremony.

The office is situated on the second floor of a house opposite Maungdaw Edgar (Open Muslim prayer place) and a signboard was put up, he said.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Upper house (Amyotha Hluttaw) candidate, Nurul Haque delivered a speech thanking local people and explained the role of the NDPD in the ensuing election, he added.

The office will be the base for organizational work and poll campaign in Maungdaw district, Nurul Haque said.

Forty five NDPD members along with candidates including two women arrived yesterday at about 17:30 hours from Rangoon, said the official.

Meanwhile, the District Election Commission has still not issued orders to political parties to campaign in the area. But, on September 29, Maungdaw authorities met at the District Peace and Development office to discuss how to manage voting booths, campaigns and security during the election, said an official from Maungdaw town office.