The Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Naypyidaw, Bu Hla Swe, has announced that if their party wins the upcoming election, they will collaborate with the military to decisively suppress ethnic armed organizations. In a video released through social media on August 20, he stated that with the National League for Democracy (NLD) excluded from participation, the USDP is certain to win the election. He elaborated that once they form a new government, suppressing groups like the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) would be one of their primary responsibilities.
Bu Hla Swe referenced their past experiences in suppressing the Burma Communist Party (BCP) in the Wa region, explaining that these historical actions were why the United Wa State Army (UWSA) chose not to participate in the 2021 crisis, fearing similar suppression. He issued a warning to the AA and MNDAA, stating they should choose the path of peace early or face severe military action. He specifically mentioned that these groups should not attempt to operate in areas like Kokang, Kunlong, Laukkai, Chinshwehaw, and the Shan-Kachin border regions, threatening that the military’s strengthened forces would take decisive action after the election.
Currently, USDP Chairperson Khin Yi is conducting nationwide campaign tours, while the party works in conjunction with the military to appoint USDP members as village and ward administrators throughout the country. Additionally, the party is engaging with military-supporting artists, singers, and actors to promote election participation and encourage public voting. These activities clearly demonstrate the USDP’s comprehensive preparation strategy to secure victory in the upcoming election, working in close coordination with military authorities to establish administrative control at local levels while simultaneously building public support through entertainment industry figures.
