The military proxy, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), may hold overwhelming majority seats in the three-tiered parliament, but that has not stopped it from using tricks like orders and threats, according to sources from Shan State North.
The military proxy, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), may hold overwhelming majority seats in the three-tiered parliament, but that has not stopped it from using tricks like orders and threats, according to sources from Shan State North.
The Manpang People’s Militia Force (PMF) led by Bo Mon, that holds sway over the trans-township area between Lashio and Tangyan has been ordering villagers to cast their votes only for the Lion (the USDP’s logo). “Anyone caught voting for other parties will be moving out of the village,” one of his subordinate leaders was quoted as saying
Another source also recounted that a shopkeeper at Nampien village, Nampawng tract, whom he met on the way from Lashio to Mongyai, told him last week that the local PMF had issued an order that all the villagers must cast their ballots only for the USDP.
Back in Lashio, Shan State North capital, Sai Sam Min, who is running for a seat under the banner of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNDP), was reportedly advised by a lady from the USDP not to place his hopes much. “I’m afraid you will spending money, time and trouble for nothing,” the lady was quoted as saying. “The seat in Lashio can never go to anyone but the USDP.”
There are 2 vacant seats up for grabs in Shan State:
- Kalaw township – People’s Assembly
- Constituency #3 – National Assembly
Constituency #3 covers 5 townships: Lashio, Mongyai, Tangyan, Hsenwi and Kunlong. It was vacated by Dr Sai Mawk Kham, who was appointed as Vice President #2.
There are 5 parties competing for the National Assembly seat: USDP, SNDP, National League for Democracy (NLD), Lahu National Development Party (LNDP) and Kokang Democracy and Unity Party (KDUP).
“If the situation doesn’t change,” commented Sai Myint Maung, the NLD candidate, “my hope of getting votes outside Lashio city limits is quite slim.”
During the 2010 elections, with the NLD out of the picture, many soldiers had voted for the SNDP candidates. “Anyone but the USDP is okay for us,” one non-commissioned officer was quoted as saying at that time.
