Sittwe: The Rakhine National Development Party, (RNDP) has decided to contest the ensuing 7 November election in 15 townships in Arakan State, said a party leader.

Speaking to Narinjara over telephone, Dr. Aye Maung, President of the RNDP, said, "We have decided to contest in 15 constituencies in Arakan State, excluding Buthidaung and Maungdaw due to financial constraints and other problems."

He added that the constituencies of Buthidaung and Maungdaw are Muslim-dominated where they feel they have little chance of winning, and they are forgoing contesting in those areas to focus on other townships.

The Election Commission designated a total of 17 constituencies in Arakan State in an announcement that was made on 11 August, 2010.

"We are having problems finding the 500,000 Kyat deposit per candidate, but we hope the crisis will be overcome by collecting funds from party members and wealthy Arakanese who support our party. If we are unable to collect enough money by way of contributions, we will have to take a loan from some business companies," he said.

The RNDP is now selecting candidates to enroll their names with the Election Commission, which is allowing the submission of candidates from 16 to 30 August.

The party is expected to win many seats in Arakan State if the election is free and fair, as it has received broad support from the people of Arakan.

"We hope our party will win in Arakan State. Our party policy is based on nationalism. The Arakanese people like our party policy and will support us in the election," Dr. Aye Maung said.