The military regime in Burma has officially announced the names of candidates of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) for the 2010 general elections in Chin state.
The candidates list of the USDA was drawn up by authorities in Naypitaw, capital of Burma and it has been sent to the municipal chairmen, said a member of the USDA in Falam Township.
“The official candidates of Falam townships are Ngunlal, CaMaung, Salai Ceu and Kaptial of USDA. They are already recognized by the authorities of Naypitaw. Kaptial was one of those involved in the referendum of the constitution while the others are retired government officials,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Integration Party (NIP) which had participated in the 1990 elections has also selected candidates for Falam constituency. The party had got one seat in the 1990 elections in Chin state and 10 seats in the country. It was not officially abolished by the regime.
In Chin state there are four candidates each for nine townships. Of these two will be selected as Union Minister and the other two will be selected as Minister of State.
“Although other townships have four candidates each, we will have five candidates for Than Tlang Township,” said a resident.
Similarly, Naypitaw has announced the four official candidates of the USDA for the Hakha constituency.
“The official candidates of USDA for Hakha constituency are That Mang, Haram Ceu and Lal Kung, but one person has to be added in this list,” said a local in Hakha city.
The Union Solidarity and Development Association is not sure of contesting as a political party for the forthcoming 2010 general elections, but the military government is using it in order to accomplish its mission. It was officially set up by the regime and the chairperson is Senior General Than Shwe.