The Shan National Democratic Party (SNDP), one of the ethnic political parties that will contest the forthcoming general elections this year, has been handing out copies of its first newsletter titled ‘Kya Phyu Thadin Hlwar (White Tiger Newsletter)’, according to local sources.

Its aim is to educate and inform the public about its policies, activities and explain the party’s decision to contest the elections.

“The aim of the newsletter is to inform the public about our policies and also to raise money for party funds,” according to party chairman Sai Ai Pao.

One of the articles written in the newsletter defends the party’s decision to contest the elections saying that it believes that the election is a significant chance and a big opportunity for ethnic nationalities. “If we don’t take the chance now, then we don’t know when another opportunity will come.”

In addition it said that “It is like a strong football team inviting us to play a match with them. If we say ‘No’, it means we automatically lose. Thus we must at least try to play it. There must be a chance for us.”

The article also spoke of the party’s ambition to pave the way for the people in Shan State to have more choices and to represent them, working for their rights and to protect them.

SNDP news letter head

The publication was launched on 1 August 2010 with 3,000 copies distributed to areas where the Shan communities reside. The newsletter is recorded as the first issue of the SNDP printed in two languages, Shan and Burmese of 12 pages each. The price is Kyat 300 ($0.3). It would be published as a bi-monthly, according to party members.

The newsletters were sold well without disturbance by any groups, he said.

The SNDP is the latest party to release its own newsletter as a way of reaching its supporters and disseminating its manifesto to potential voters. Others included Union Kayin League and Union Democratic Party (UDP).

Many parties received the Election Commission’s approval to publish newsletters. But they have to pay 100,000 Kyat (US $100) for permission to publish, according to many party members.