An election campaign has been launched by Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) throughout parts of Mon state, a source from the Mon community told Kaowao.
“General Aung San fought for Burma’s independence with 30 comrades. We have over a million members and we can do more for our nation if you vote for us,” said one participant quoting one of the campaigners. “We will focus on local development, health care, and education if you vote for us (USDA).”
The USDA campaign group is led by Minn Lun Aung, USDA secretary of Kyaikmaraw (Kyaikmayaw) Township, followed by U Aung Myo, the former township educational department in charge and U Sein Hlaing.
“On November 20, the USDA’s election campaign kicked off with a tour through Kaw Palaing, Kaw Soi, Kaw Sak, Tarana and Dhamasa Mon villages in Kyaikmaraw, Mon state and Kawkareik township in Karen State. These areas were first priority for the USDA because the Burmese candidates from the NLD and other parties were defeated by the Mon political party (MNDF) in the last 1990 election. The Mon political party won the most seats without much campaigning,” said a political observer in Moulmein.
A New Mon State Party officer of Thaton District based in this area told Kaowao that the local civilians are disappointed because the Burmese government has yet to announce its election rules. “The USDA said they can do more than other political organization and asked the voters to vote for them. We also want to hear from other parties too,” he added.
The USDA, founded by the SPDC as a GONGO (government organized non-governmental organization) in 1993, is notorious for its brutal crackdown on opposition forces along with security forces. It claims they have 22 million members as of 2005.
In June, a Mon working committee, comprised of NMSP veterans, Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) members and retired civil servants, was formed to prepare for the upcoming 2010 election in Moulmein, capital city of Mon State.
“We are waiting for the SPDC’s regulation and rules so we can prepare for the upcoming election; we can do nothing until then,” said a spoke person from the Mon working committee.
However, the main political parties, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) oppose the upcoming general election and Burma’s 2008 constitution.
