A new Karenni party set up in Karenni State is gearing up to contest the forthcoming elections and submitted an application to the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 20 July. It received the commission’s approval on August 5.

The junta’s Election Commission on July 5 allowed the National Unity and Development Party (NUDP) in Kayah state to contest in this year’s elections, issuing it with the registration number 40.

NUDP was formed independently by Oo Mi Reh Myint party chairman and Oo Mi Reh (Yet Aung) secretary. Most youths in Karenni state have encouraged the party, said a resident from Loikaw.

"Before setting up this party, the USDP's members came and said, "There is no need to form this party. But we ignored them. Most of party members felt that voters will decide which party is going to win," he said.

Since it only received approval a few days ago, the party has not started campaigning nor has it as yet satisfied the legal requirement for party members. It submitted its party entrance fees, party policies, the party flag and party logo to the UEC, said sources close to the party. The NUDP formed the party for the Karenni people in Karenni State.

Meanwhile, the Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF), which intends to contest in Deemawso, Pruso, Namekhon, Maese townships and its controlled areas in Karenni state, submitted its meeting minutes in March.

However, party Chairman Oo Htun Kyaw, denies allegations of receiving financial support from the military regime.

The other party which wants to contest in Karenni state is Kayin People's Party (KNP), which is not being accepted by the Karenni National Progressives Party (KNPP).