Six-party coalition to join forces on ethnic issues

Friday, 08 October 2010 09:33 Salai Tun

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Six Rangoon-based political parties have agreed to increase co-operation ahead of next month’s general election in the hope of enhancing their prospects at the polls.

Around 30 leaders representing the Union Democratic Party (UDP), National Democratic Force (NDF), Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP), Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), Chin National Party and Democracy and Peace Party on October 2 formally entered into the alliance.

Details of the pact were disclosed yesterday. A key component of the common platform is support for the right to self-determination for Burma’s numerous ethnic groups.

“We will co-operate fully with ethnic people. We respect their right to self-determination and will promote racial equality. Candidates from our alliance will band together in conducting electoral campaigns,” NDF party leader Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima.

He added: “In the future, we will co-operate to introduce a system in which ruling power and law-making power can maintain the balance of power. We will co-operate in working for the people in the future parliament. We also agreed to establish joint negotiation and management committees.”

Symbolising the spirit of co-operation, NDF and UDP leaders, including Khin Maung Swe and UDP secretary Thein Tin Aung, each attended the opening ceremonies of both parties’ offices in Pegu (Bago) Division yesterday morning.

“A NDF office was opened in Pegu. The UDP also opened an office in Pegu. An American diplomat attended the ceremonies,” Khin Maung Swe added.

The six parties intend to field a total of 396 candidates to contest the election on November 7.