A new Kachin party plans to contest the 2020 General Election after successfully registering its name with the Union Election Commission (UEC).
"Our party, KSPP (Kachin State People’s Party) is now official! We have submitted our party's flag, policies and seal to the UEC office,” said Dr. Manam Tu Ja, one of KSPP founders and chairman of Kachin State Democracy Party.
If no-one rejects it, the party will receive an official registration number soon, he said.
Manam Tu Ja said the new party will represent everyone in Kachin State.
The Kachin Democratic Party (KDP), Kachin State Democracy Party (KSDP) and Unity and Democracy Party of Kachin State (UPDKS) merged to form the KSPP. Leaders agreed to abolish their groups after the party receives its registration number.
Duwa Gumgrawng Awng Hkam, chairman of KDP and another one of KSPP founders, told KNG that KSPP was formed to win the 2020 general elections in Kachin State and asked for the support of the people.
Initially, the KSPP registered under the name ‘Kachin State Party’ on December 17, 2018 but it was rejected. The party was renamed and accepted by the UEC on April 25.
If KSPP gets its registration number at the end of May leaders say they will organize an event to officially introduce the new party to voters in Myitkyina.
Manam Tu Ja served in the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) for thirty-four years before getting into politics. During his time in the KIO, he headed a delegation for the National Convention by the Myanmar Army that eventually resulted in the controversial 2008 Constitution. Tu Ja tried to contest the 2010 general elections but his party Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) wasn't allowed to register.
