Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD) announced plans to contest over fifty constituencies during the 2020 general elections.
“We need to restore self-determination, federalism and equality,” Salai Ceu Bik Thawng, general secretary for CNLD, told Khonumthung News. “This is the time to stand for an ethnic national party. Our Chin people have lost their ethnic rights since the Panglong Agreement (1947).”
CNLD is fielding candidates for seats in Chin and Rakhine states, and in Sagaing and Magwe regions. Initially, the Chin party intended to contest 48 constituencies but opted to go after more seats.
According to its statement on August 10, it will contest 37 constituencies in Chin State, 10 in Magwe Region and 7 in Sagaing Region. In addition, efforts will be made to secure Ministry of Chin Ethnic Affairs in Rakhine State and Sagaing and Magwe regions.
“We’re a merger of three parties and that made us stronger. Our people are willing to support us. This time we expect the Chin people to support CNLD because we’re losing our ethnic rights and national identity, and we’ll restore this,” Salai Ceu Bik Thawng said.
CNLD is a merger of Chin Progressive Party (CPP), Chin National Democratic Party (CNDP) and Chin League for Democracy (CLD).
None of the parties won a seat in Chin State during the 2015 general election. Despite this some political analysts predict CNLD will be a major contender against the NLD and USDP in Chin State.