The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has recruited thousands of young people by promising protection from forced military service and porter duties. Since April, township and ward administration teams in Yangon Region have been actively recruiting youth into the party, guaranteeing that if they are caught for military service, the party’s township, regional and central levels will immediately secure their release. In Hlaing Tharyar Township alone, over 300 youth have joined the party, while thousands of young people aged 18-35 across Yangon Region have been recruited as party members.
On July 13, an appointment ceremony was held in Yangon for 3,875 new party members. At the event, USDP Chairman Khin Yi stated that the people’s suffering is the party’s suffering and promised to resolve public hardships. The recruitment drive has particularly targeted young people concerned about forced military service. In addition, the party has been recruiting motorcycle riders and sidecar drivers in Yangon Region by guaranteeing protection from traffic police arrests, allowing them to operate without licenses by showing party membership cards, and promising to issue official licenses immediately if the party gains power.
Similar recruitment efforts are ongoing in Shwepyithar and New Dagon Townships, where the party promises protection from harassment by military, police and other authorities for its members. The party is also recruiting young women by promising exemption from any future female military service requirements. Many youth report joining reluctantly due to parental pressure and fears of forced recruitment, despite disagreeing with the party politically. The extensive recruitment campaign demonstrates how the military-backed party is exploiting public fears of forced service to build its membership base, particularly among young people seeking protection from military conscription.
