The Zomi Congress for Democracy (ZCD) will contest the upcoming election under the military regime and last week became the first Chin party to register with the Union Election Commission (UEC).

“Our party has been recognised as a political party since 2012, but we reformed our party and registered with the UEC because some of the leaders passed away and other members resigned,” said Pu Gin Kam Liang, the party’s secretary.

He found it strange they had to pay the UEC about $4,700 as it’s not a new party, but said their application was accepted and was told they'll be informed when its approved.

Other contenders like the Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), Khumi National Party, Ethnic Nationalities Development Party, Zo National Development Party, Chin Nationalities Party and Asho Chin National Party haven’t registered for the election.

The CNLD has stated that it won’t participate in the race under the military regime.

Pu Gin Kam Liang, however, said ZCD must contest the elections to maintain its legitimacy. “As a political party, we need a platform. For example, if we want to talk to the media or release a statement, we need a legal organisation.”

He said they could also run as independent candidates and not as a party.

“We don’t expect we will win...but if we win a seat in the election, we can enter parliament.”

In the 2020 election, ZCD won two seats, it won six constituencies in 2015 and won a few seats in 1990.

The government reported that 52 parties had already registered with the UEC by 24 March.