“One of the reasons for the NLD to contest in this election is to establish a genuine federal union with a genuine union spirit. Since its inception, the NLD’s main objective is for unity of all ethnic people,” Aung San Suu Kyi told supporters in Namti Township. Some estimates said the turnout to greet her numbered 50,000 people.

Reiterating a familiar campaign theme, she said unemployment is too high and people should support NLD candidates such as Khin Kyi, who campaigned with Suu Kyi.  She noted that the NLD has fielded many women candidates in the by-election, and it is an important step for the country in terms of equal gender rights.

“Our country will not develop to the level it should unless we fully use the strength of our women,” she said. “The population of women is slightly higher than the male population in the country, and we must include women in over half in our party. We selected women candidates as much as we could for this election.”

A total of 12 NLD female candidates including Suu Kyi are running in the by-election. The NLD has fielded candidates in all 48 open seats.

After the Namti rally, Suu Kyi’s caravan proceeded to Mogaung Township, and she told supporters at the Odan football grounds that voters should ask candidates questions and make the candidates explain why voters should support them.

She returned to Myitkyina at 7:30 p.m. to attend a banquet with Kachin leaders. She will speak at a rally on Friday at 8 a.m. at the Manau grounds in Sitapu Ward.

This is her third visit to Kachin State. She visited in 1989 and 2003. In 1989, she met with Duwa Zau Rip, who took part in the drafting of the Panglong agreement with Suu Kyi’s father, General Aung San, and other ethnic leaders.

In other political news, a group of 88-Generation student leaders arrived in Myitkyina to attend an all-faith prayer meeting on Friday, to mark the suspension of the Myitsone Dam project.