Former Vice Chairperson of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) Dr Manan Tu Ja is attempting to enter Burma’s political playing field yet again after he announced plans during an interview with DVB to register a new party with the country’s Union Election Commission (UEC).
According to the former KIO vice chairperson, the Kachin State Democracy Party (KSDP) aims to participate in the upcoming general elections in 2015.
The former rebel leader resigned from the KIO ahead of the elections in 2010 to form the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP); however, his initial bid to enter the country’s political arena was rejected by the UEC and the party was prevented from competing at the polls.
Tu Ja then attempted to enlist in the ranks of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), but to no avail.
During the 2012 by-elections, Tu Ja again tried to compete in the polls as an independent candidate from Mogaung constituency; however, Naypyidaw postponed voting in three constituencies in Kachin state.
Nonetheless, Tu Ja believes his political fortunes have changed.
Speaking to DVB on Friday, the former rebel leader said he believed the government would recognise his party.
“I will mainly focus on development of our region and State. We will encourage national reconciliation and peace building,” said Tu Ja, when asked what issues he hopes to tackle as a politician.
“We will also be promoting development of education and healthcare in our region. We support the rule of law and the eradication of drugs.”