The Karenni Nationalities People Liberation Front (KNPLF) in Karenni state has not been able to register as a political party yet, according to sources.

According to local sources close to the KNPLF, it has no opportunity to register as a political party, while their battalions are being joined by junta’s troops after they accepted the regime’s Border Guard Force (BGF) proposal. The process of registering as a political party has been condemned by the youths in Karenni state.

"The KNPLF attempting to form a party was frowned upon by the Kayah youth organization, who do not want it to represent the Karenni people, given its policy," the source told Kantarawaddy Times.

However, a KNPLF youth denied allegations of receiving financial support from the military regime.

"To be able to register as a political party, they must have enough resources. These shortcomings are coming in the way of registering," he added.

The Kayan National Party is the only one to be approved by the Union Election Commission (UEC) in Karenni state, while KNPLF has been denied registration so far. The Kayan People’s Party contesting in Karenni state has been condemned by the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP).

The left-wing KNPLF split from the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) in 1978 due to ideological differences. The KNPLF then signed a cease-fire agreement with the Burmese junta in May 1994 and has since operated as a militia of the Burmese Army.

Sources said that the KNPLF has decided to contest in the forthcoming general elections and the faction would be led by Vice-Chairman Tun Kyaw and will represent Karenni people. Meanwhile, they plan to campaign in Deemawso Township, Namekhon and Maese provinces.

Oo Shwe Wah, KNPLF's secretary said, "We decided to set up a party. Our party will be Karenni Nationalities People's Liberation Party. We didn't change the former name and the party flag," he told the Irrawaddy in March.