USDP loses lawsuit filed against the White Tiger Party

Friday, 21 January 2011 20:27 Kyaw Kha

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has lost its lawsuit filed against the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), or White Tiger party, alleging electoral fraud.

USDP candidate Dr. Sai Kham Hlaing from Kunhein constituency No. 1 in southern Shan State filed a lawsuit against elected MP Sai Mon, a.k.a. Sai Kyaw Tun, alleging electoral fraud and improper polling booth activities. The election tribunal in Naypyidaw dismissed the case on Thursday, citing a lack of evidence.

In the election, defendant Sai Mon won over plaintiff Dr. Sai Kham Hlaing with a clear margin of 4,378 to 2033 votes respectively.

The plaintiff was required to deposit 1 million kyat (US$ 1,814) for filing lawsuit and the deposit is non-refundable.

If the defendant is found guilty, he or she could be given a one-year prison term or fined up to 100,000 kyat or both. If the defendant is acquitted, the plaintiff could be given a 3-year prison term or fined up to 300,000 kyat or both.

Two other cases filed against White Tiger Party MPs by the USDP for electoral fraud are still pending.

In the cases, USDP candidate Yone Mu filed a lawsuit against the elected MP from Moemauk constituency and Daw Wine of the USDP filed a lawsuit against elected representative Sai Myo Aung of the Moemauk State assembly constituency. The election tribunal in Naypyidaw will hear the cases on January 24 and 27, respectively.

The USDP, which has been widely accused of rampant vote rigging and electoral fraud, has also filed lawsuits against winning candidates of the National Unity Party, the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party and the National Democratic Force.