Former NLD grouping to form party

Thursday, 06 May 2010 00:00

(Mizzima) – Former National League for Democracy party central committee members and other members are set to form a new political party, the National Democratic Force, to contest this year’s election, a party spokesman said.

Former NLD central committee members Khin Maung Swe, Dr. Than Nyein, Dr. Win Naing, Thein Nyunt, Thein Hla Oo, Soe Win, Than Win and 21 other party members reached the decision at a meeting in Rangoon today.

“A group that shared the goal of forming a political party reached a common position today. We shall officially release this news within three days”, party former central executive committee and information chief Khin Maung Swe said.

The new party will be called the National Democratic Force, he said.

Dr. Than Nyein said the objectives of the new party were to fulfil the promise made to Burmese people in 1990 to establish a democratic country; maintain the strength of NLD party members for the voters who wished to vote for the party; and carry out political work under a legal framework.

Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima that the group would in the middle of the month apply for party registration with the Election Commission in Naypyidaw.

Quotable

ken_roth "The United Nations should establish this commission without delay as a vital first step towards justice for the many victims of serious abuses in Burma. Failing to act on the Rapporteur’s recommendation for accountability in Burma will only embolden rights abusers and further postpone long-overdue justice."

- Kenneth Roth, (HRW executive director)