HOUSE OF THE WEEK
Spacious but odd apartment in Thingangyun
GROUND floor apartments are a trade-off – extra space and ease of movement versus added noise and no view. more
2010: Transition to democracy Your guide to the political parties
PaO National Organisation
Registration: Applied to register April 2, approved April 23
Based: Taunggyi
Senior members: U Aung Khan Hti (right), patron
Constituencies: Southern Shan State
Comment: “We don’t want to participate [in the election] in every state, division or township. We want to work for the development of our region … I am optimistic about the constitution. Next year is a step forward for everybody. It will give hope not only for our region but also for the whole country.” – U Aung Khan Hti, October 1
Difference and Peace Party
Status: Applied to register April 6, approved April 29
Based: Yangon
Senior members: U Nyo Min Lwin, chairman; Daw Sandar Oo, vice chairman; U Tin Maung Aye, vice chairman; U Nay Myo Wai (right), general secretary
Constituencies: Not yet confirmed
Comment: “In a democratic system, it will be the desire of the majority that will confirm new laws. But the voices of the minority need be presented too.
– U Nay Myo Wai, April 27
Kachin State Progressive Party
Status: Applied to register April 5
Based: Myitkyina
Senior members: Dr Tujar (right), chairman; U Kha Bwun, deputy chairman; U San Khung, deputy chairman
Constituencies: Kachin State
Comment:“Our primary focus will be on the all-round development of Kachin state. We have decided to seek election for both the Pyitaungsu Hluttaw [national parliament] and the Kachin State Hluttaw.”
– Dr Tujar, April 6
New Era People’s Party
Status: Applied to register April 6, approved April 29
Based: Yangon
Senior members: U Tun Aung Kyaw (left), chairman; U Tin Soe, deputy chairman
Constituencies: Yangon, Ayeyarwady divisions
Comment: “Our aim is to successfully establish a free market in our country. I think if this system is implemented in Myanmar, the life of farmers and poor people will improve.” – U Tun Aung Kyaw, April 3
Union of Myanmar National Political Force
Status: Applied to register March 22, approved April 22
Based: Yangon
Senior members:U Aye Lwin (right), chairman; U Khin Maung Oo, deputy chairman
Constituencies: Nationwide
Comment: “I have been involved in the world of politics for 22 years now and with this experience, I am sure I can do a lot for the public. We have overcome difficult situations in the past. … The people are going to be the ones who make political decisions, they are the ones who will decide.” – U Aye Lwin, April 5
88 Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar)
Status: Applied to register March 22, approved April 22
Based: Yangon
Senior members:U Ye Tun (left), chairman; U Than Oo, deputy chairman
Constituencies: Nationwide
Comment: "Our aim is to accelerate economic development and to improve the living standards of people in rural communities. Because of this we are against economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar.”
– U Ye Tun, March 31
National Political Alliance
Registration: Applied to register April 1, approved April 29
Based: Yangon
Senior members:U Ohn Lwin (right), founder; U Tin Htun Maung; U Kyi Win
Constituencies:About 20; mostly in Bamar-dominated regions
Comment: “By contesting the election we aim to support policies that benefit the country in the Pyithu Hluttaw [house of representatives].” – U Ohn Lwin, April 5
Democratic Party (Myanmar)
Status: Applied to register March 30, approved April 29
Based: Yangon
Senior members: U Thu Wai, chairman; Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein (left), general secretary; Daw Than Than Nu; Daw Nay Yi Ba Swe
Constituencies: Hopes to run nationwide
Comment:“I want to urge voters to choose carefully before they cast their ballot. Your vote is very valuable for your country, it can change your country. When you find the right candidate and party, vote for it.”
– Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, April 6
National Unity Party
Status: Existing party; applied to continue as a registered party March 29, approved April 29
Based: Yangon
Senior members: U Tun Yi (right), chairman; U Than Tin; U Khin Maung Gyi; U Thein Tun
Constituencies: Nationwide, plan to contest more than 200 constituencies
Comment: “This election is a transition toward democracy. The National Unity Party will strive to work in the interest of the people of Myanmar and the country itself.”
– U Thein Tun, April 7
Union Democracy Party
Status: Applied to register April 8
Based: Yangon
Senior members: U Phyo Min Thein (left), chairman; U Shwe Ohn, patron
Constituencies: Not yet confirmed
Comment: ဓWe will work to build a nation that will benefit all of the 135 ethnic groups in this country. We oppose chauvinism and narrow-mined nationalism.
– U Shwe Ohn, April 21
