The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) released a statement Thursday stating that they would not dissolve the party.

The party said that the leadership had taken the decision.

“In order to strengthen the party,” read the statement, “the new committee will be taking responsibility.”

The SNDP, also known as the White Tiger Party, was established in 2010. The party won 57 seats in the 2010 elections and the bi-elections in 2012. In the 2015 elections, it won only one seat in parliament.

Nang Than Shwe, a new member of the SNDP, said that although the SNDP did not do well during the November polls, they will continue to work for the people outside of parliament.

Sai Leik, the spokesperson for the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), said, “It’s the SNDP’s right to decide whether to dissolve the party or not. The aim of setting up a political party is to work for the citizens.”

In 2013, monks and people from 52 townships submitted a petition that the two major Shan armies be merged into one single Shan State Army (SSA) and the two major Shan parties combine to become one single party.

“The unification of Shan parties will depend on the new committee,” Nang Than Shwe said.

Sai Leik responded by stating, “we have discussed at the Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU) in October 2013. The SNDP said they would discuss it again after the elections. Since then, we have not asked them what their thoughts are on this matter.”

“We hope to hold our party conference in March or April.” Sai Leik added. “We will address this issue during the meeting. If they (SNDP) have the will to unite, it will be welcomed by the SNLD”.

BY SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)