Karen ceasefire armed groups, which joined hands to set up a Karen political party, are gearing up to contest in constituencies in Karen State.

The Karen State Democracy and Development Party (KSDDP) sought registration with the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 12 August 2010 and was registered with the order no. (92/2010) on 19 August. The UEC registered KSDDP in accordance with political party registration law Article (9).

Leaders of DKBA, KPF and a Karen ceasefire group led by Phadoh Aung San joined hands to set up the Karen party, KSDDP. Gen Kyaw San, Information Minister of the junta, persuaded these Karen ceasefire group's leaders to form a political party. KSDDP submitted an application for forming a party to UEC on 11 August and then the Karen party also submitted an application for political party registration the next day. On 19 August, KSDDP was approved by the UEC.

However, a political party must submit its party member’s list to UEC within 90 days of approval. 'The Mirror' newspaper said on 20 August that KSDDP submitted party member’s list to UEC on 19 August.

KSDDP is located in ward 7, Kan Nar Road (River Road), Pha-an township in Karen State. Even though KSDDP has not announced its party leaders’ names, Saw Thar Htoo Kyaw, Chairman of DKBA, can become the Chairman of KSDDP, a source close to the Karen party said.

"Well, it's correct. Leaders, who are not included in the BGF, will be involved in the Karen political party. This is the only political party, which concerns the BGF. We, who take up arms, cannot be involved in political party work. I hear that Phu Thar Htoo Kyaw is also involved," he said.

DKBA held a ceremony after transforming into BGF in Myein Gyi Nguu, Hlaing Bwe township in Karen State on 18 August, in Mae Pale village, Pai Kyon township on 20 August, Myitta Linn Myaing ward, Myawaddy township on 21 August and Htee Phoe San village in Kawkareik township today.

Pha-an locals allege the junta is giving it funds, drawing its party policy, procedures and is advising KSDDP led by elder ceasefire leaders.

The forming of KSDDP three months before the elections and being given approval proves that the regime wants KSDDP to compete with Phalon-Sgwaw Democratic Party (PSDP) in Karen State.

KSDDP, USDP, UNP, PSDP and KPP, will contest in Than Taung and Kyar Inn Seik Gyi townships, and in Karen State in the forthcoming election on November 7.