အေသးစိတ္
- ႐ံုးခ်ဳပ္
- Dekkhinathiri Township, Naypyidaw
- မွတ္ပံုတင္အမွတ္
- #32 | June 8, 2010
- Website
- Visit Site
- Current Seats
- 122 အမျိုးသားလွှတ်တော်, 217 ပြည်သူ့လွှတ်တော်, 489 Regional
- Contested Seats
- 166 Upper, 320 Lower, 632 Regional
“We respect the people’s will; we prioritize people’s rights; we address people’s needs.”
The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was formed in 2010 to contest the general election that year as a political vehicle for many of Burma’s former military leaders. The party won more than 75 percent of the seats in Parliament, in a vote that was widely viewed as flawed.
Parliament went on to select the USDP’s Thein Sein as president, and his government has initiated wide-ranging reforms since 2011 that have been viewed favorably at home and abroad. His government was not rewarded at the polls in a subsequent by-election in 2012, however, with USDP candidates losing to members of the National League for Democracy in 43 races in which the two parties faced off. That outcome has set the stage for the 2015 nationwide vote, with the USDP hoping an upper-hand in resources at its disposal and the advantages of incumbency will prevail over an NLD widely believed to be more popular.
* States and divisions in red indicate that the party is fielding candidates at the Union or regional level in that jurisdiction. In addition to the 632 seats the party is contesting in state and divisional legislatures, it is fielding candidates for all 29 ethnic affairs minister posts to serve in regional governments' cabinets.
အလံ
Major Players
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Thein Sein
President Thein Sein will not contest for a seat in Parliament later this year, but has said he is open to the possibility of serving a second term as president if that is "the wishes of the people," among other factors. The president has been both praised for ushering in Burma's political reforms, and accused of backsliding on them.
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Shwe Mann
The Union Parliament speaker and former chairman of the ruling party has aired presidential aspirations. With President Thein Sein's own intentions unclear, however, rumors of a power struggle between the two men were seemingly confirmed by Shwe Mann's Aug. 12 ouster from the party chairmanship.
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Htay Oo
The USDP general secretary received an unexpected promotion on Aug. 12, when a shakeup of the party leadership saw the ambitious parliament Speaker Shwe Mann ousted from the USDP chairmanship. Htay Oo now serves concurrently as joint party chairman.
Other Notables
- Hla Swe
- Dr. Sai Mauk Kham
- Khin Shwe
- Thein Nyunt
ELECTION 2015
Ministries Ordered to Open Books for Next Govt
Ministries have been directed to prepare for the transfer of power to a new government at the end of March.
ELECTION 2015
Yamethin Election Result Prompts Rival ‘Abuse of Religion’ Complaints
Burma’s two biggest political parties have crossed swords in Mandalay, where each side has accused the other of illegally using religion to further their campaigns.
Fears of religious violence, favors from the ruling party and a large presence of army personnel conspired to land the USDP a standout victory in Meiktila.
continue...
COMMENTARY
Dealing with Defeat: Where it All Went Wrong for the USDP
The depths of its unpopularity now clear, the ruling party will need to embark on some serious soul-searching if it wishes to retain political relevance.
INTERVIEW
USDP’s Hla Htay Win: ‘If I Lose, I’ll Commend the Winner and Shake Hands’
Ruling party heavy-hitter and retired general Hla Htay Win explains what he’s offering constituents in Naypyidaw’s Zayarthiri Township, where one-quarter of voters have military ties.
We will do it as the last task of our government’s reforms, and it will be our last victory.
- Ye Htut, presidential spokesman, referring to the ruling government's stated commitment to a peaceful transfer of power
ELECTION 2015
Ministries Ordered to Open Books for Next Govt
Ministries have been directed to prepare for the transfer of power to a new government at the end of March.
ELECTION 2015
Yamethin Election Result Prompts Rival ‘Abuse of Religion’ Complaints
Burma’s two biggest political parties have crossed swords in Mandalay, where each side has accused the other of illegally using religion to further their campaigns.
DECISION 2015
Election Reversal Sees USDP Lose Upper House Seat in Shan State
An Upper House race originally called for the Union Solidarity and Development Party instead goes to the Ta’ang National Party in northern Shan State.
DECISION 2015
Tallying the Triumph: NLD’s Appeal Knows Almost No Bounds
The National League for Democracy wins 886 out of 1,150 contested seats in Burma’s election, including a commanding 59.3 percent of all Union Parliament seats.
EXECUTIVE
Thein Sein’s ‘Last Victory’ to Be Smooth Transition: Spokesman
Ye Htut says President Thein Sein will set a “good precedent” for Burma’s young democracy, calling a peaceful power transfer his administration’s “last victory.”
PARLIAMENT
Suu Kyi, Shwe Mann Vow Peaceful Power Transfer
Aung San Suu Kyi meets Shwe Mann, with the two powerful parliamentarians agreeing to help ensure a peaceful power transfer following the NLD’s election victory.
DECISION 2015
Victorious NLD Candidate in Naypyidaw Legal Tangle
National League for Democracy MP-elect Thant Zin Tun is both facing and fielding legal complaints over pre-poll and election day conduct in Naypyidaw’s Dekkhinathiri Township.
PARLIAMENT
Parliament Resumes in Naypyidaw with Dozens of Bills Outstanding
Outgoing lawmakers returned to Naypyidaw to consider dozens of outstanding bills in the last remaining session of the year.
VOTING
The Results Are (Almost) In: Crunching the Regional Seat Numbers
The NLD has majorities in all but four of Burma’s legislatures. Those parliaments it doesn’t hold may dictate the party’s attitude to federal reform.
ETHNIC ISSUES
Suu Kyi Landslide Poses Challenge With Burma’s Minorities
A landslide victory by Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma’s historic election raises questions over whether she can overcome distrust from leaders of ethnic minorities.
PARLIAMENT
Constitutional Quirk Sends Defeated Lawmakers Back to Parliament
Just days after the National League for Democracy clinched a historic election victory, lawmakers elected in a flawed 2010 vote will resume their work.
EXECUTIVE
Thein Sein Tells Next Govt Peace, Reconciliation Are Key
President Thein Sein urges a continuation of reforms that his party set in motion four years ago, one week after suffering a crushing election defeat.
Election 2015
Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘Current Military Leaders Are Different from Those in 1990’
On this week’s edition of Dateline, the panel discusses the NLD’s landslide victory and what to expect from the weeks to come.
VOTING
Parties Dispute Huge USDP Advance Vote in Arakan Garrison Seat
Losing candidates have refused to sign off on two contests in Ann, one involving the former chief minister, after advance votes put the USDP ahead of its rivals.
EXECUTIVE
After Suu Kyi Invitation, Observers Call For Swift Four-Party Meeting
Politicians and analysts have urged a leader’s meeting requested by Aung San Suu Kyi to take place as soon as possible.
ELECTION 2015
Suu Kyi Requests Meeting with President, Army Chief and Speaker
The opposition leader, whose party expects to form the next government, asks to meet three of Burma’s biggest political players, aiming for “national reconciliation.”
DECISION 2015
NLD Notches Near-Sweep of Naypyidaw, Supposed Ruling Party Bastion
National League for Democracy candidates claim victory in seven of eight Lower House constituencies in Naypyidaw, as well as the capital’s two Upper House seats.
CONSTITUTION
Election Commission Rejects NLD’s Thein Sein Complaint
The election commission has thrown out an opposition complaint against Thein Sein which alleged the president had campaigned for the USDP ahead of Sunday’s vote.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Official Predicts Party Victory on Final Day of Campaigning
On the final day of campaigning ahead of Sunday’s general election, a senior figure in Burma’s ruling party foreshadowed electoral success.
ELECTION 2015
For Burma’s Muslims, Little to Cheer About Historic Election
As Burma heads to the polls on Nov. 8, the plight of its Muslim minority remains a blot on the country’s election.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Summons Star Power for Final Campaign Push in Naypyidaw
Burma’s ruling party calls in a few celebrity favors for a final campaign push in the capital, with just two days left to court voters.
ELECTION 2015
Delta, Capital Tipped as NLD Hard-Sells in Burman Heartland
A political analyst pegs the two regions dominated by ethnic Burmans as difficult constituencies for the National League for Democracy to beat Burma’s ruling party.
PARTY POLITICS
Ousted Ruling Party Head Shwe Mann to Work With Suu Kyi
Shwe Mann says Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD is the most popular in Burma and he will work with her in Parliament after the election.
ELECTION 2015
Suu Kyi Not Ready to Govern, Says Radical Buddhist Monk
Ma Ba Tha’s general secretary Vimala Buddhi says the ruling party, and not the popular opposition leader, should be chosen to lead the country.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Splashes Out on Flashy Rally in Arakan State
The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) splashes out on a raucous rally in Kyaukphyu, with just days left to spend campaign cash.
ELECTION 2015
USDP Official Charged over Fake Suu Kyi Nude Photo Released on Bail
Police have confirmed the release on bail of Than Tun, who was detained for sharing an image purporting to show opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s in the nude.
CONSTITUTION
Burma Reforms Have Long Way to Go to Change Power Balance
Burma citizens are experiencing an unprecedented degree of economic and political freedom, but the balance of power has changed little.
ETHNIC ISSUES
Burma's Minorities Fear USDP Election Victory
For Burma’s ethnic minorities, the election opens up the possible fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.
ELECTION 2015
Local Research Group Probes Major Parties’ Policy Platforms
Nine of Burma’s major political parties purport to build a democratic federal union but are split on issues such as the Constitution, a new report says.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Ruling Party Swapping Solar for Support in Pegu Race, Says NLD
Ruling party officials in Pegu Division’s Thayawady Township promised solar panels in a bid to court voters, according to Burma’s main opposition party.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
After Purge, Shwe Mann Mounts Campaign Trail Comeback
Ousted ruling party chief Shwe Mann is drawing on his financial heft and remnants of party support to mount a formidable campaign ahead of the Nov. 8 poll.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Trumps Rivals in Campaign Rally Gifts: Election Watchdog
The USDP has distributed more gifts on the campaign trail than its political opponents, according to an independent election monitoring group.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Ex-Ruling Party Chair Says USDP Unlikely to Win November Poll
Speaking to reporters on the campaign trail in Pegu Division’s Phyu Sunday, Shwe Mann admitted the ruling party would likely struggle in the Nov. 8 poll.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Upper House Speaker Takes Aim at NLD During Mandalay Rally
Khin Aung Myint has used a Mandalay rally to accuse the opposition of disregarding campaign rules ahead of Burma’s landmark Nov. 8 poll.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Official Sued over Fake Suu Kyi Nude Shared on Facebook
An activist sues a leader of Burma’s ruling USDP for sharing an image of Suu Kyi’s face transposed onto a nude body.
PARTY POLITICS
USDP Backs President Thein Sein for Second Term: Party Official
President Thein Sein is selected as the ruling party’s choice for the top post if it wins a majority in a Nov. 8 parliamentary election.
VOTER VOICE
Election Debate Heats Up Online and at the Dinner Table
Impassioned debate over the country’s political future is seeing lively disagreements between family members backing rival parties.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
In ‘Abode of Kings,’ Ruling USDP Flexes Campaign Muscle
The Union Solidarity and Development Party is making its presence felt on the campaign trail in villages across the purpose-built capital Naypyidaw.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
NLD Candidates Await Latest Appeal on Coco Islands Access
Four of the party’s candidates seek permission from the Rangoon regional government to travel to the islands on a boat they plan to hire themselves.
ELECTION 2015
Complaints Mount as NLD Candidate Cites Misconduct in Naypyidaw
An opposition candidate files an official complaint against Burma’s ruling party alleging violation of election law, the latest in a string of as-yet-unanswered grievances.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
USDP Eyes Big Wins in Burma’s Rice Bowl
Several prominent figures from the USDP’s central executive committee are likely to emerge triumphant as they seek election in Irrawaddy Division.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
NLD Accuses Ma Ba Tha of Unlawful Influence
Burma’s main opposition party alleges that the Buddhist nationalist group distributed print materials and delivered sermons defaming the NLD and attempting to influence the electorate.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Former Rangoon Mayor Hopes New Roads Pave Way to Re-Election
Former Rangoon mayor and ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party lawmaker Aung Thein Linn is literally relying on concrete achievements to win over voters.
PARTY POLITICS
Pathein NLD Downplays Defections to Ruling Party
A former party official says the mass resignation of NLD members, who subsequently joined the USDP, was motivated by the ruling party’s flood relief works.
PARTY POLITICS
USDP Makes Pitch as Father of Burma’s Democratic Reforms
Hinting at how the party will sell itself to voters ahead of the election, a senior leader credits the USDP with birthing democracy in Burma.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Arakan State Becomes ‘Promise Land’ as Candidates Vie for Votes
The impoverished coastal state sees a rising number of reports that candidates are making the rounds to dish out donations as election day nears.
WOMEN’S ISSUES
Women Candidates Swarm Irrawaddy Delta, Hoping for Big Wins
Irrawaddy Division could set the stage for a battle of the sexes in a Nov. 8 general election, with 67 women vying for seats.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Shwe Mann Likely to Prevail over Thein Sein Acolyte: Analyst
Shwe Mann is tipped to win his Pegu Division constituency against several opposition parties and a former official in the office of President Thein Sein.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
In Election Campaigning, Candidates Chase Votes via ‘Likes’
With 55 days to Burma’s Nov. 8 general election, candidates for the poll pound the pavement—and increasingly, the keyboard—in search of voters’ favor.
ELECTION 2015
USDP Survives Scrutiny as Over 100 Candidates Scrapped
A total of 6,062 candidates are approved by Burma’s election board for a Nov. 8 vote, slashing more than 100 but sparing ruling party applicants.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Suu Kyi Campaigns in Sought-After Karenni Constituency
Aung San Suu Kyi campaigned in Shadaw Township on Saturday, the small constituency which President’s Office Minister Aung Min will contest in November.
ELECTION 2015
Ousting of USDP Chairman Had ‘Chilling Effect’: US Official
Shwe Mann’s ouster had a “chilling effect” on Burma’s political climate and hearkened back to the “bad old days” of dictatorship, a US diplomat says.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Down But Not Out: Shwe Mann Hits the Campaign Trail
A month after his ouster as chairman of the ruling party, Union Parliament speaker Shwe Mann hit the campaign trail in Pegu’s Phyu Township on Friday.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Soe Thane Backs Spending Splash in Karenni State
Union Minister Soe Thane has backed projects worth tens of thousands of dollars in his constituency ahead of the Nov. 8 election.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Suu Kyi Faces President’s Allies in Campaign Showdown
Aung San Suu Kyi takes her campaign to the camp of a close presidential ally as she tours the country ahead of Burma’s November election.
PARTY POLITICS
Analysis: Ministers’ Election in Karenni State All But Certain
Barring a dramatic turn of events, Aung Min and Soe Thein will be members of the next Union Parliament.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Election Campaign Period off to Subdued Start
Only a handful of candidates and parties sought to drum up electoral support Tuesday as the 60-day campaign period for Burma’s general election began.
VOTING
Most Burmese Citizens Overseas Left Out of Historic Vote
The vast majority of the more than 2 million Burmese citizens working overseas will not vote in Burma’s Nov. 8 general election.
ELECTION 2015
Campaign Begins for Election Set to Decide Scope of Democratic Change
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will take her election battle straight to one of the president’s closest allies as campaigning gets under way.
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
NLD Accuses Ruling Party of ‘Bribery’ on Campaign Season’s Eve
Burma’s main opposition party accuses its primary opponent in the Nov. 8 general election, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, of having engaged in vote-buying.
MILITARY
Parties Banned From Criticizing Army in State Media
Burma bans political parties from criticizing the army or the military-dominated Constitution in state media during campaigning for elections due Nov. 8.
ELECTION 2015
Chief Ministers of Arakan, Karen States Resign to Join USDP
The chief ministers of two states resign to contest Burma’s upcoming general election, set for Nov. 8, representing the ruling USDP.
MILITARY
Burma’s Military Chief Says Armed Forces Will Respect Vote
Burma’s commander-in-chief reiterates that the military will respect the outcome of the Nov. 8 general election, seen as a crucial test of the country’s reforms
ELECTION 2015
As Election Nears, Survey Offers Insight Into Voters’ Views
Taiwan-based Asian Barometer Survey polled 1,620 respondents across all 14 of Burma’s states and divisions, asking more than 200 questions on a wide range of subjects.
PARTY POLITICS
After Failed Attempts to Remove Rival, Thein Sein Used Force
When armed police burst into the headquarters of the country’s ruling party late on Aug. 12, President Thein Sein finally succeeded.
PARTY POLITICS
USDP Sends Message of Unity After Vote Exposes Rift
The USDP appeals for unity, saying its ousted party chief would stay “faithful,” after a parliamentary vote exposed a rift in the ruling bloc.
MILITARY
Army Chief Denies Military Meddling in Ruling Party Reshuffle
Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing sought to quash speculation of involvement in last week’s ruling party shakeup, saying the army did not meddle in party politics.
PARTY POLITICS
Cherry FM to Resume Broadcast After Govt Warning
A radio station linked to Burma’s besieged Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann will return to the air after being abruptly shut down by the government.
PARLIAMENT
As Election Nears, Parliament to Take Up Impeachment Bill
Parliament will discuss legislation on recalling lawmakers, an increasingly contentious proposition that could see sparks fly against the backdrop of a ruling party power struggle.
PARTY POLITICS
Ruling Party Lawmakers Lament Intraparty Turmoil
Several Union Solidarity and Development Party MPs voiced concern Tuesday over the impact of last week’s dramatic late night reshuffle on the party’s image.
PARLIAMENT
Before Lawmakers, Shwe Mann Offers Peek Inside the Purge
Parliamentary Speaker Shwe Mann tells lawmakers he is sorry for the recent Union Solidarity and Development Party turmoil in which he has played lead victim.
PARLIAMENT
Politicians Braced for More Drama as Ousted Leader Opens Parliament
Parliament opens for what will likely be a fractious session, with ruling party factions facing off following its former chairman Shwe Mann’s ouster last week.
PARLIAMENT
USDP Lawmaker Says Suu Kyi Meets Shwe Mann Ahead of Showdown in Parliament
Burma’s ousted ruling party chief Shwe Mann meets Suu Kyi after being sacked by President Thein Sein, according to a USDP lawmaker.
ELECTION 2015
Nearly 6,200 Parliament Hopefuls File to Contest Election
A whopping 6,189 candidates apply to contest the nearly 1,200 seats up for grabs between the Union Parliament and regional legislatures in Burma’s general election.
BUSINESS
Airlines Deny Rumor of Links to Ousted Ruling Party Chief
Two major domestic airlines have denied rumors of service disruption linked to recent upheaval in Burma’s ruling party.
PARTY POLITICS
Silenced Station Linked to Shwe Mann Asked to ‘Guarantee’ Impartiality
Burma’s Ministry of Information asks Shwe Mann-linked broadcaster Cherry FM to “guarantee” impartiality in order to resume its programming.
PARTY POLITICS
USDP Leaders to Meet Monday Before Parliamentary Showdown
Burma’s ruling party has called a hastily arranged leadership meeting on Monday to prepare for a parliamentary showdown with their ousted party chairman.
PARTY POLITICS
Shwe Mann Ousted Over Ties to Rivals, Contentious Bills: Minister
Shwe Mann was sacked as USDP chairman because he supported controversial legislation and had ties to rival party leaders, says Ye Htut.
PARLIAMENT
Shwe Mann Back at Work in Burma’s Capital
The former ruling party chairman, deposed on Wednesday evening, was back in his parliamentary office in Naypyidaw on Friday, according to a parliament staffer.
PARTY POLITICS
Burma Gags Media Linked to Shwe Mann, Adding to Concerns About Reforms
Burma gags media linked to parliamentary Speaker Shwe Mann after he and his allies are dramatically purged from the leadership of the ruling party.
ELECTION 2015
Election Chief Vows USDP Turmoil Won’t Affect Poll
Election chief Tin Aye says he will not allow the ouster of Shwe Mann from the ruling party leadership to negatively impact Burma’s general election.
ELECTION 2015
Mogul, Minister Among Irrawaddy Election Hopefuls
President’s Office Minister Thein Nyunt and regional minister Than Tun, both USDP members, are among nine candidates registered to contest seats in the delta region.
EXECUTIVE
Rumblings of Electoral Support Take Shape in Thein Sein’s Native Township
In Thein Sein’s home township of Ngapudaw in the Irrawaddy delta, locals voice support for the president to contest their constituency in the upcoming election.
PARTY POLITICS
5 Karenni State Ministers Resign Amid USDP Purge
Five ruling party ministers in Karenni State resign, including the state’s chief executive, amid speculation that they do not fit into the party’s election agenda.
ELECTION 2015
Election Body in Pegu Criticized for Taking USDP Money
A local election subcommission in Tharrawaddy Township receives funding from lawmakers of Burma’s ruling party, a donation criticized as potentially compromising the electoral body’s impartiality.
Party Politics
Political Parties Sign Election Code of Conduct
Nearly 70 of Burma’s political parties sign an election Code of Conduct aimed at ensuring ethical electioneering in the lead up to the historic vote.
PARTY POLITICS
In Rangoon, USDP Seeks to Boost Popularity Through Road Repairs
Since the 2010 election campaign, the ruling party has been funding repairs to roads in Burma’s biggest city in order to boost its popularity.
CONSTITUTION
Protestors Gather in Rangoon to Call for Constitutional Amendments
Several dozen protestors gathered at Rangoon City Hall to demand constitutional amendments that would allow opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to become president.
PARTY POLITICS
USDP Under Fire for Seizure of Public Park in Rangoon
The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is urged to return land it seized from a popular public garden Rangoon.