The newly formed Kayah State Democratic Party has submitted the necessary paperwork to gain official recognition, with party members saying they are now ready to get down to the nuts and bolts of representing the Karenni people.

The new party is the result of a merger between the Kayah Unity Democracy Party and the All Nationals’ Democracy Party (Kayah State).

“The party was created with the aim of establishing federalism in the region including via the peace process,” said Sai Naing Naing Htwe, spokesperson of the Kayah State Democratic Party.
The officials from the two political parties felt that by uniting forces they could form a stronger bloc, he added.

The party was registered with the Union Election Commission on August 4, and the party’s new name, flag and emblem are being announced to the public.

Sai Naing Naing Htwe said the party will begin drafting its policy manifesto and will lay out future plans and elect the executive committee soon.

“We will work as an ally with all democratic parties that are interested in the federal union system. We will focus on the politics of Kayah State and work together with other democratic forces on the issues,” he said.