MUP yet to offer a response to NLD call for unity with ethnic party’s: Remain committed to pursuit of a equitable federal union

The Mon Unity Party (MUP) has not offered a response to the National League for Democracy’s call to ethnic parties for greater unity in the wake of the general election.  The NLD statement was broadcast on social media, and not directed at any specific ethnic party.

MUP’s Joint Secretary (1) Nai Laye Ta Ma, explained, “We have not considered [preparing an official response because the]  NLD’s statement was not received as [official correspondence] to our party.” 

Despite the absence of formal communications the MUP believes that a federal union can only be established if ethnic and democratic forces work together.

“We do not know anything at the moment and not sure what will happen.  Speeches will be given to the state from the winning party. We will have to think about it later. We continue to stand on our goal to establish a federal union and to get equality.” Said Sai Nyunt Lwin, Chair of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD).

He added, political promises from  the 1947 Panglong Agreement cannot be avoided,  and the winning party now has more responsibility to deliver on those commitments.

“Union affairs should be organized with the good intentions of all ethnic parties, even if one party can form an independent government. — we should work together to create the conditions for cooperation.” Said Daw Aye Nu Sein, Vice-Chair of the Arakan National Party (ANP).

He added, in Rakhine State (due to the cancellation of election voting in many areas) representative constituencies are limited to nine out of 17 townships.  As a result,  only a small number of representatives have entered the Hluttaw.  The government will have to set out detailed procedures to advance union affairs, given this situation.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) released the following final election results.