The National Unity and Development Party (NUDP) in Karenni state, which has withdrawn from the election fray in Burma on November 7, has resulted in Karenni people losing interest in the polls.

“With the absence of any political party representing the state, I have no party to vote for.  I am not interested in the elections anymore,” said a resident of Deemawso.

The NUDP was threatened by the Burmese junta-backed party the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) with help from local authorities. Earlier others had been warned not to form political parties in Karenni state. As there is no ethnic political party, voters are wondering which party to vote for, local sources said.

The Union Election Commission canceled the NUDP’s registration after it failed to submit its member list to the EC because the party was continually intimidated and threatened by the junta’s proxy party, the USDP.

The NUDP, which was mainly formed with members of the Peace Foundation, is also known as Nye in Burmese.

The Peace Foundation was forced by the Burmese military regime's Regional Control Command on August 16 to sign that their members would not be in touch with the party.

A resident said the junta accused the NUDP of having links with the opposition.

After the NUDP received the UEC’s approval on August, USDP members harassed its members including forcing the closure of NUDP chairman’s business ventures.

Besides, they were continually facing myriad difficulties that threatened their operations and were pressured not to contest as a party in Karenni state.