A total of 27 candidates from 12 parties along with several independent candidates, will run in Karen State seeking to become one of three ethnic affairs ministers for the state, according to statistics provided by the state's election commission.. In Karen State there are ethnic affairs ministers representing the Mon, Bamar and PaO communities.
The list includes seven independent candidates and three candidates from the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), three candidates from the National League for Democracy (NLD), three candidates from the Phlone-Sqaw Democratic Party (PSDP) and three candidates from other parties.
“Our party will run for Mon, PaO, and Bamar [Affairs positions] and Karen Affairs [Minister position] in Mon State. Based on our party’s principles, they will carry out the ethnic people’s goals and make plans to fulfill their needs,” explained Phlone-Sqaw Democratic Party’s Vice-Chairman Mann Aung Pyi Soe.
According to the complete list of candidates released by the Karen State Election Commission, 18 parties are running in Karen State and 256 candidates will run in the election. This includes a number of independent candidates.
A total of 33 candidates running in the state are female. Khun Tun Win from the Karen State Democracy and Development Party (KSDD), who is running for the position of PaO Ethnic Affairs Minister, told KIC said he has been focused on his candidacy for some time. “Since 2010, I have prepared myself to represent the KSDPP in the election by studying the election bylaws so I believe I will win the 2015 Election,” he said.
He added that he will work towards the unity of all ethnic PaO people in line with existing laws. He also claims that if elected he will work hard as a model MP.
According to statistics released by state authorities, there are over 800,000 eligible voters in all seven townships in Karen State. This includes 111,560 Bamar voters, 105,710 Mon voters and 41,142 PaO voters.
