The Shan National Democratic Party (SNDP) is not worried about acquiring the 1,000 member quota within 90 days as made mandatory by the Election Commission, as two townships in Shan State North alone have at least 300 members, according to sources from the Sino-Burma border.
The two townships are Namkham and Muse, the towns located opposite China’s Yunnan province. Till this day, party members in Namkham number about 200 and another 120 are in Muse, said a source close to the party in Namkham.
According to the SNDP, it will set up a branch-office in every township of the states and regions, where the party is planning to contest. The party’s headquarters is in Rangoon.
The party plans to contest in 40 out of 55 townships in Shan State, six townships in Kachin State (Mansi, Bhamo, Monggawng [Mogaung], Mongyang [Mohnyin], Wiangmai [Waing Maw] and Namti), three townships in Karenni State (Loikaw, Dimawso and Phasawng), two in Sagaing Division (Hommalin and Mawlake [Maw Lite] as well as Rangoon and Mandalay divisions, where a sizable number of Shans live.
Its branch-office in Namkham was opened on June 9 morning. Its Chairman is Dr.Sai Kyaw Ohn and his Vice Chairman Sai Hseng Hseng Wan.
Another branch office was opened in Muse today at 07:00 (Burma Standard Time). The chairman of the Muse office is Sai Mawk Kham Hsoi and his vice chairman is Sai Yee Hseng.
Both inaugural ceremonies were attended by over 300 participants each from several organizations such as Shan Literature and Culture Association, Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), Kachin Culture Association and Palaung Culture Association.
“The party plans to recruit 250 members in Namkham and at least 200 in Muse,” said a participant.
But most people have little interest in the elections and most villagers are still unaware of the polls, he said.
The party has to recruit its members within three months from the day it was granted permission for registration as it has to send the list of party members to the UEC before the end of August. The party’s application was approved on 26 May.
The party will reportedly contest in the three houses of parliament in the 2010 general elections. The SNDP has already selected some candidates in some parts of Shan State North, East and South.
Parties that will compete in Shan State are so far the Shan National Democratic Party (SNDP), Northern Shan State Progressive Party (NSSPP), Taang (Palaung) National Party (PNP), Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Wa National Unity Party (WNUP), Wa Democratic Party (WDP), Kokang Democracy and Unity Party (KDUP), National Unity Party (NUP), Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Inn National Development Party (INDP)and Lahu National Democratic Party (LNDP).
The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), political wing of the anti-Naypyitaw Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ had announced on 26 May that it would not “support and recognize” the 2010 elections.
In addition, “Shan State citizens who are standing for elections for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the offshoot of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, and the (former Burma Socialist Program Party turned) National Unity Party (NUP) will also not be recognized and supported by the RCSS,” the statement said. “The RCSS is also against new parties being set up to contest the elections.”
So far 42 parties have submitted to set up political parties and 33 parties have applied for party registration to the UEC. Of these, 32 parties have been approved by the UEC, according to a New Light of Myanmar report on Tuesday.