New Delhi (Mizzima) – Two national legislators-elect from the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party have sought co-operation from elected lawmakers in the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, which would dominate a future state assembly.
Industry Minister No. 1 Aung Thaung and Transport Minister Thein Swe, both successful USDP candidates in this month’s election, sought a meeting with three lawmakers from the RNDP on November 22 in Sitway, capital of Arakan (Rakhine) State. In the elections, the RNDP secured the largest number of seats, 18, in the 46 to 47-Arakan Seat Assembly. “They discussed co-operation with us in necessary areas. They just came and had a friendly discussion. We have not yet given our response because it needs executive committee approval. They congratulated us on winning the largest number of seats in the … assembly,” RNDP lawmaker Maung Nyo, who attended the meeting, told Mizzima.
Aung Thaung contested in Mandalay Division, Taungtha Township, for the Lower House, while Transport Minister Thein Swe contested from Arakan State’s Ann constituency for the same legislature. Both were victorious in their constituencies.
RNDP legislators pointed out to the visiting delegates that Arakan State holds potential for an emerging international market due to its substantial coastline and potential for the livestock and electricity industries, RNDP chairman Dr. Aye Maung.
“Development can be achieved easily and rapidly. We have a deep-sea port. If round-the-clock power supply were available in the state, industrial zones and livestock zones could be developed,” he said.
The RNDP has said that it would support development work and anything that benefits the state and the country.
Having fielded a total of 44 candidates in the general election on November 7, the RNDP won a total of 34 seats. They control seven seats in the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), nine in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and 18 in the State Assembly.
In comparison, the USDP secured 13 seats in the Arakan State Assembly.
