In response to the controversial move by the Arakan National Party (ANP) to attend the meeting between the newly-formed arm - run Union Election Commission (UEC) and political parties, most of the Arakan National Party (ANP) lawmakers who submitted the resignation letters have joined the Arakan Front Party (AFP), said U Kyaw Zaw Oo, Spokesperson of the AFP.

The ANP has recognized the coup by sending Daw Aye Nu Sein to accept a post from the army's State Administration Council.

The AFP has condemned the coup and did not participate in the new UEC meeting. U Kyaw Zaw Oo added. “Those from the ANP are leaving their party. The AFP is working on accepting them and making appointments in a gradual manner. I cannot tell the exact number of the people who resigned from the ANP. The sure point is that those who left from the ANP wish to join the AFP.”

The ANP’s former upper house MP U Khin Maung Latt from Yathaedaung Township said: “I myself have distanced from the party after the by-election in Yathaedaung. Those from the ANP attack me now. That is why I resigned from the party, and I have extended a helping hand to the AFP.”

Those who will join the AFP include former upper house MP U Wai Sein Aung from Sittwe, former Lower House MP U Aung Thaung Shwe from Buthedaung Township, Arakan State MP U Kyaw Lwin from Kyaukbyu Township and most of other MPs who have submitted their resignation letters.