The Shan National Democratic Party (SNDP) categorically denies support by any illegal armed group, in a rebuttal of criticism leveled at it by some of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) campaigners, according to a SNDP mmeber.

The Network Media Group (NMG) reported on 28 July that the USDP, while campaigning to woo voters in Kachin State’s Mongkawng (Mogaung) township, claimed that the SNDP was a party formed and supported by illegal armed groups and urged voters to cast votes only for the USDP, and not for the SNDP.

“If you vote for our party and we win, we will do anything in the Shan peoples’ interest,” one of the USDP campaigners was quoted in the report.

Responding to the criticism from the USDP, a member of the SNDP, who requested not to be named, said the formation of the party doesn’t concern or relate to any rebel or illegal groups and was just formed by 15 ordinary citizens.

“Therefore the party’s fund also comes from those 15 members,” he said. “We did not get support from any group that is stated as being an illegal association or a rebel group.”

“Also in accordance with the regulation that was enforced by the Election Commission (EC), no party is allowed to say demeaning things against another’s personality and dignity,” he said.

The Election Commission issued directive No.2/2010, dated 21 June 2010, Subject: Enlisting the strength of political parties, S.11 (f) states that:

(f) creating literary works, giving talks or taking organizing measures that can spark disputes on racial affairs or religious affairs or individuals or others, and that can harm dignity and morality.

“Now some of the USDP members are flouting the regulation of the EC,” he added. “It is not the proper way to practice by any party.”

In Kalemyo Township, Sagaing Division, Khonumthung News reported on 27 July, that the USDP blamed the National Unity Party (NUP) for once working with the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) in destroying the country earlier, while NUP accused USDP for working in cahoots with the military junta.

The SNDP will contest in 40 townships within Shan State as well as areas outside such as Kachin and Karenni states and Mandalay, Sagaing and Rangoon Divisions, all of which have large Shan populations.

To date, the party is still finding it difficult to travel and open branch offices in the Shan State East and South, citing financial problems and the Election Commission’s directive to all parties to submit detailed applications for permission to campaign in townships at least seven days before their intended visit, according to another member of the party.

“Moreover, another problem is that we are not allowed to gather or lobby at crowded places,” he added. “Thus is why it is difficult for us to find places and open an office to conduct a campaign to recruit members.”

Nevertheless, the party has already attained the 1,000 quota member to submit to the Election Commission. It is planning to submit the list in August, but is yet to set the date, according to him.

The SNDP is also planning to publish its party newsletter called ‘Kya Phyu Thadin Hlwar (White Tiger Newsletter)’. It will be a bilingual publication written in Shan and Burmese. It will focus mainly on the party’s policies and activities.

Due to financial constraints, the book is expected to be sold for between Kyat 300 and 500. The party will distribute it in areas where the Shan communities reside.  

*According to him the party was formed by the following people

Two people from Shan State North’s Muse (Long Mawk Hsoi Herng and Sai Phoe Aung)

Two from Shan State North’s Namkham (Sai Hsai and Dr.Sai Ohn Kyaw)

Two from Shan State South’s Taunggyi ( Sai Yown Tin and Sai Tin)

Two from Mandalay Division’s Mongkut aka Mogok (Dr.Sai Naw and Sai Htun Aye)

One from Kachin State’s Myitkyina (Sao Noi Than Myint)

One from Shan State South’s Kaehsi ( Sai Awn Hseng Merng)

One from Shan State South’s Mongkeung ( Sai Hsang)

One from Shan State South’s Panglong ( Sai Hseng Merng)

One from Shan State South’s Hopong and

The other two are Sai Ai Pao, party Chairman (Rangoon) and  Sai Saung Si, vice Chairman (Kyaukme)