Khitar Non – The All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMDP) officially announced they won’t merge with the Mon Democracy Party (MDP). The party will keep their name when contesting the 2015 elections in accordance with constitutional rules and policies. They will also continue coordination with related organizations.
However, sixteen central committee and executive committee members still for unification will make a decision whether or not to leave the party by Jan. 12
The AMDP’s announcement not to merge came at a Jan. 5 press conference at their Moulmein office following a central committee meeting. The press conference in the Mon state capital was facilitated by Nai Hteik; second vice-chairman, Dr. Min Ngwe Soe; general secretary, Min San Tin; first joint-secretary and executive members; Dr. Banyar Aung Moe and Nai Tala Aung.
“There are some rumors about two Mon political parties’ unification. We are holding this conference to clarify these rumors,” said Min Wat-na Gyi of the central committee.
Although some of the party’s 65 central committee members have expressed desires for the party to join with MDP, others do not want to merge, Min Wat-na Gyi said
“A commission for two Mon political parties’ merger was founded and collected public opinions in respective areas. And, because we agreed that two parties signed for party unification. But a disagreement remains so those who would like will join for party unification, while others will not yet,” said Dr. Aung Naing Oo, AMDP’s central committee member, who favours a party unification.
After a careful analysis on the current climate and what lies ahead, both before and after the 2015 elections, central committee members has decided not to merge.
Following a similar vein, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and Shan National Democracy Party has discussed merging with each other, but won’t do it until the time is right.