Sangkhlaburi -- Mon activists and politicians are preparing to register their political party for the upcoming election, according to local sources in Moulmein.  Following the announcement of the SPDC’s party registration laws; the activists, eager to participate in the general election, banded together to form the ‘All Regions’ Mon Democracy Party.’

The newly formed group is led by Nai Janu Mon (aka) Nai Ngwe Thein, a well-known song writer and retired State Education Administrator.

According to Dr. Banya Aung Moe, the ARMDP was created as another option for those wishing to take part in the election in opposition to the ‘Mon Working Committee’ which has decided to boycott the 2010 general election.

“We understand the position of the MNDF and NMSP who have boycotted the election, but we feel we should take part in the election so we can represent the civilians in the Mon region as well as the other ethnic groups who live in the Mon area.  We will register after the Songkrant New Year Festival, but the 15 member grouping is now working on our party platform,” said Dr. Banya in a telephone interview.

After a divisive meeting on March 30, which decided to boycott the election after the election laws were posted, members from the Mon Working Committee who wanted to take part in the election immediately recruited new leaders for a new party.  The party leaders include Nai Janu Mon, Nai Saik, Dr. Min Hla Aung, Dr. Min Nwe Soe, Dr. Banya Aung Moe, Min San Tin and Nai Lawee Ong (retired colonel of New Mon State Party).

“Many expressed a willingness to support the new Mon party and want a chance to discuss their issues rather than standing on the sidelines during the election,” said Dr. Banya who is a veteran of the New Mon State Party and Mon community leader at the Three Pagodas Pass border town.

The original 15 member Mon Working Committee was formed to prepare for the upcoming 2010 election during a gathering of the ceasefire agreement celebration hosted by the NMSP in June 2009. The committee is comprised of NMSP veterans, the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) members, and retired civil servants.  However, the Mon Working Committee had decided not to take part in the upcoming election after the election laws were released.

The two main political parties, the MNDF and NMSP have repeatedly stated that they will not participate in the 2010 election.