While the NLD electoral machine has rolled over the challenge from some ethnic-based parties, the Mon Unity Party (MUP) is one of only three ethnic states, where NLD has lost ground to emerging ethnic solidarity.

Naing Layi Tama, General Secretary of the MUP declared victory over NLD in at least 12 seats noting,“The number of the party’s winning seats in the 2020 General Elections has increased by two-thirds compared with the 2015 General Elections.

Lawi Weng, a senior journalist from the ethnic Mon based in Mon State told BNI “ our people are more and more interested in our ethnic affairs. Although Mon parties only merged in 2018 to form the Mon Unity Party, in the future we will be a strong force like Rakhine by 2025.

 

MUP’s Naing Layi Tama elaborated “The party has won 12 seats—five in Yay Township, one in Thanphyuzayat Township, three in Mudon Township, one in Chaungsone Township, one in Kyaikmaraw Township and one for Mon ethnic affairs minister in Kayin State. In terms of parliaments, the MUP secured two seats for lower house, three for lower house and six for Mon State parliament in Mon State and one for Mon ethnic affairs minister in Karen State.”

 The MUP is still scrutinizing the results for the remaining constituencies in Thanphyuzayat and Paung Townships. Naing Layi Tama said “The MUP competed in all 45 constituencies in Mon State.” but she added, “The party did not achieve as much success as it expected.”

In the 2015 General Elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) secured 40 out of 45 constituencies in Mon State and are now reduced to 34 seats in 2020. and the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has just one. There are two districts (Mawlamyine and Thaton Districts) in Mon State and ten townships.