USDP mum on presidential candidate
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Nay Pyi Taw - The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party had no plan to announce its presidential candidate and had not discussed the possibility of forming a coalition government after the 2015 election, Thein Swe, the secretary of the USDP, said
Thein Swe said that the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) would be a main rival to USDP.
“Our party has no plan to announce a presidential candidate. We have a chairman of the central committee for the election, Thura Shwe Mann, the Speaker of the Union Parliament,” Thein Swe said.
“The party will compete in all constituencies across the nation. It did not negotiate with any ethnic parties. Our main rival will be the NLD. Our chairman will not change prior to the 2015 general election. Our constitution says that the president is not allowed to discharge the duties of the party. The central committee assigns duties to the chairman. Thura Shwe Mann will be the party’s chairman until the election is held,” Thein Swe said.
Thura Shwe Mann is now the party’s chairman and also serves as the Speaker of the Union Parliament.
“We did not discuss the formation of a coalition government but we will join hands with any party, person or organisation for the sake of the national interest. It is one of our policies,” Thein Swe said.
Asked if there was tension between USDP members and government ministers, Thein Swe said that the stance of the party was not the same as that of the government, adding that MPs would often object if they disagreed with the administration’s actions.
At the meeting, Thura Shwe Mann noted that the party needs to choose upright, good-natured candidates to run in the 2015 general election who could see those from other parties as colleagues.
“We will join hands with any party or organisation for the sake of the national interest. Partnership is one of our policies. We need to be polite and equal in our dealings with others.”
He added that the choice of candidates was a key factor with representatives needing to be upright, good-natured and prepared to serve the interests of the state and the people.
“Our party accepts self-provision, self-administration, equality, decentralisation and the emergence of a federal, democratic system,” he said.
“The Tatmadaw [armed forces] plays an important role in protecting sovereignty and territory as well as carrying out the state’s defence and security. Efforts must be made to enable the Tatmadaw to be qualified and patriotic, so people can love and respect it. The Tatmadaw is an essential organisation for the state. It needs overwhelming support from the entire population,” Thura Shwe Mann said.
