A political party representing Kachin nationals should exist in Kachin State, a local Shan leader said.

The Shan Nationals Democratic Party (SNDP) opened a branch office and put up the party's sign board today morning in O-Tan ward, Moegaung Township, Kachin state. The Shan leader made the observation about a Kachin party at the inaugural ceremony.

"In my opinion, it's relevant to float a political party for them. They should form an ethnic representative party. I think, a Kachin ethnic party should be involved along with other ethnic groups in Burma. If they (Kachin ethnics) have their representative party, there is a better chance of implementing their needs."

The National Unity Party (NUP), the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the Shan Nationals Democratic Party (SNDP) and the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) are keen to contest the elections in Burma. However, the KSPP has not been approved yet by the Election Commission.

A Kachin party needs to create mutual understanding between various ethnic groups in Kachin State for a future democratic Burma, he added.

Over 100 people including Shan leaders, youth leaders and leaders from Shan Literature and Culture Association attended the opening ceremony of SNDP's branch office in Moegaung.

SNDP will continue to open branch offices in Moegaung, Moe Nyin, Bhamo, Winemaw, Puta-O Township and start election campaign in Shan ethnic populated areas in Kachin State.

SNDP's headquarter is located in south Okkalapa township in Yangon. It is learnt that the Shan party will contest the election in Kachin State, Sittgaing division, Mandalay division, Yangon division and Kayah State.

Even though a rumour has spread that the military regime does not want KSPP to contest the election, no official statement has been issued regarding the delay in approval by the Election Commission.