The Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD) pledged its willingness to cooperate with the National League for Democracy (NLD) after the incumbent party sent out an open letter requesting the support of ethnic groups following yet another landslide victory during the 2020 race.
CNLD informed Khonumthung News that it would work with the NLD to establish a democratic federal union. Salai Ceu Bik Thawng, CNLD’s secretary, told Khonumthung News, that CNLD’s policies “are based on ethnic equality and self-determination rights, as outlined in the Panglong Agreement.”
NLD’s open letter titled ‘Future Union Affairs’ was sent to 48 ethnic parties on November 12, several days after the election was over. In the letter, the ruling party promised to listen to the ethnic nationalities and implement their needs, while emphasizing their shared goals and objectives. NLD requested their cooperation to build a united new government.
The ruling party formed a three-member panel to facilitate discussions with the ethnic parties before resuming its place in office next March. Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, Nan Khin Htwe Myint and N’htong Kham Naw Sam were selected to head it the new panel.
The formation of the new team was praised by Salai Ceu Bik Thawng. “In my opinion, this is a step forward. And we’re ready to meet with them for discussions.”
After suffering a bitter defeat in 2015, competing Chin parties—Chin Progressive Party, Chin National Democratic Party and Chin League for Democracy—merged to form CNLD in a bid to defeat the NLD in 2020. Although the party fielded candidates in 57 constituencies in Chin State, Rakhine State, Magwe and Sagaing regions it only won one seat in the recent race.