A key figure in the All Nationalities Democracy Party (ANDP), a party based in Kayah State, says that implementing a national ceasefire remains a priority for the country’s development and a major goal for the party.
Lower House ANDP candidate U Saw Po Lay made the remarks during a party rally in Htayhtarhlyar village in Loikaw Township on September 20th.
“Our main priority is a ceasefire. Then, we will carry out social development, livelihood, education, and health. Things that are needed by the public,” he said. Kayah also known as Karenni State has been beset by conflict since shortly after Burma received independence in 1948. It is home to a number of ethnic armed groups including the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Karenni National People Liberation Front (KNPLF), Kayan New Land Party (KNLP) and several government backed militias.
Eleven parities and independent candidates are running for the election in Kayah State, the country's smallest state by area. Since campaigning began earlier this month dozens of candidates have been campaigning in their respective constituencies. This includes two high profile members of Thein Sein's cabinet, U Soe Than and U Aung Min, neither of whom are actually from the state.
An undecided voter, U Pharae Reh from Htayhtarhlyar village, tells Kantarawaddy Times he will vote for the party that will actually work in the public interest.
“It would be good if the winning party doesn’t deviate from actual federal principles. The public will only suffer if it [winning party] fails to keep its promises so I will vote for the party that will really sacrifice itself for the public and work for it,” he said.
Because a lot of parties are competing in the election, many potential voters are still learning the various party policies and learning about the candidates. Many voters appear undecided although actual polling data on voter intentions remains unavailable.
Aside from Bawlakhe Township, the ANDP is competing in six other townships in Kayah State. The party is fielding a total of 26 candidates including three female candidates for various seats in the state. This includes six candidates for the national parliament's lower house (Amyotha Hluttaw), nine candidates in the upper house (Pyithu Hluttaw) and 11 candidates for the state legislature.
Translated by Thida Linn and edited by BNI staff.
