Chin political parties face financial problems

25 August 2010: Chin political parties keen on contesting the elections on November 7 in Burma are struggling with financial constraints to fund its candidates for contesting the elections. The Election Commission of Burma has to be given Kyat 5 lakhs for each candidate.

Although the Chin National Party (CNP) and the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) have selected candidates they are now facing problems providing Kyat 5 lakhs to each candidate.

“The financial constraints have forced some to sell their houses and lands and some to borrow money from others on high interest rates. We cannot help them right now. The candidates are trying to raise the amount by selling their lands and houses,” Pu Nothankap, president of CPP told Khonumthung News.

The Chin Progressive Party (CPP) has already selected 41 candidates for the election -- 12 for National Parliament (upper house) in Chin state, two persons each for Kalemyo, Sagaing division and Tamu township, 11 candidates for People’s Parliament (lower house) and 18 candidates for the State Parliament.

Although CPP has nominated candidates for Kalemyo and Tamu Township, Sangaing division, where Chin people live, it will not take part in Makui division and Rakhai state as the election is very close and it has financial problems.

Pu Nothankap said that although there is an atmosphere of unfairness and injustice during the election campaign, the polls should be free and fair on 7 November.

Similarly, Pu Ceubikthawng, general secretary of CNP said, “We have already nominated candidates for the forthcoming general elections. Although half the candidates can afford to Kyat 5 lakhs to pay the Election Commission, the rest are still facing problems.”

The Chin National Progressive Party will help Chin people in Yangon city and other leaders of the party.

Meanwhile, the Ethic Nationalist Development Party (ENDP) had selected its candidates – one for National Parliament (Upper House) and two for State Parliament. It does not have candidates for People’s Parliament (Lower House). The party is mainly aiming to contest in Matupi, Paletwa and Thantlang townships where Mara ethnic people live. – Khonumthung News.

Source:http://khonumthung.org/news.php?readmore=274

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