A newly floated Shan political party, ‘the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP)’ led by Sai Ai Pao, the former General Secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the second largest winning party in Burma and the topper in Shan State in the 1990 elections, has reportedly registered today to contest in the forthcoming general elections.
“However, the party is not sure whether the Election Commission will register it,” a Shan resident in Rangoon told SHAN.
The party was formed following a two day meeting held in Rangoon a few days ago by Shans from towns such as Namkham, Kyaukme, Rangoon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Panglong, Mongkawng (Moegaung in Kachin State). It is aimed at Shan people having choices in voting in the elections.
The party elected Sai Saung Si, former member of SNLD and elected representative of the Kyaukme constituency No#2 in 1990, as Vice Chairman. The party also chose 15 people as CEC members.
“If there is no ethnic political party in the fray, and only has junta backed parties, then people won’t have any choice but to choose the party they are offered,” a Shan resident in Ragoon told SHAN. “Then, the junta will win the seats by acclamation.”
Another party is the Union Democratic Alliance Organization (UDAO) formed by the veteran Shan politician Shwe Ohn. It has already applied for registration months ago. There are altogether12 political parties that have registered for the elections, according to media reports.
The SNLD, will not contest until the party is allowed to discuss with its Chairman, Hkun Htun Oo, who is serving a 93 year jail term in Puta-O prison in Kachin State, according to party spokesman Sai Leik.
