9 June 2010: The Union Democratic Party (UDP) is preparing to set up sub-offices in Matupi, Mindat and Kanpalet in southern Chin state, Burma. The initiative is being taken by Mr. Shwe Ohn from the first week of June.

“Some of the office staff members have already reached Matupi town and are now searching for accommodation,” said a college student in Matupi town.

The leaders of the Union Democratic Party are Mr. Shwe Than, Salai Aung Than and Mr. Van hnin. Mr. Shwe Than was elected to represent the (NLD)Party in the 1990 general election in Matupi township constituency 1.

Salai Aung Thang was jailed for a long time by the Burmese junta in connection with Daw Aung Sang Su Kyi’s visit to Chin state in 2003. Mr. Van Nghing is one of the leaders of the Mara Evangelical Church and he is staying in Yangon but his native place is Paletwa.

Once they set up sub-offices in southern Chin state, they will head for upper Chin state.

The Union Democratic Party will have contestants for the three houses of parliament in the 2010 general elections.

According to the New Light of Myanmar, so far 42 parties have applied to set up political parties and 32 parties have applied for party registration to the Union Election Commission. Of these, 29 parties have been approved.

In Chin state the National United Party, the USDA party, the Chin Progressive Party, Chin National Party and Ethnic National Development Party will be contesting against each other in the forthcoming general elections in Burma.-