The National League for Democracy (NLD) issued a statement on November 18 praising the election victorious ethnic parties and inviting them to cooperate in the effort to build a democratic federation union. 

Despite a lack of coordination before the election, the NLD has already kept in mind that it will cooperate in building a democratic federal union in the post-election period, said NLD central executive committee member Dr Myo Nyunt. 

“We have reassured that when we are in parliament, we will work together as allies in marching towards the democratic federation union, which is our common goal,” Dr Myo Nyunt said. 

 NLD vice chair (2) Dr Zaw Myint Maung also said discussion would be held with the ethnic parties though precise information about government formation could be released. 

“We will surely hold talks with the ethnic groups. We are sure,” he said during a press conference held via Zoom application on November 17.  

The NLD sent a letter to 48 ethnic parties on November 12 saying that it will pay attention to the ethnic minorities in the future hoping they will actively participate in the effort to build a democratic federal union. 

The NLD’s invitation was basically welcomed as it shows a positive attitude towards the ethnic parties meaning that they will be recognized to a certain degree. However, they need to wait and see if it is their true wish, some ethnic parties commented over the NLD’s letter. 

Mann Aung Pyi Soe, chairman of Kayin National Democratic Party, said: “We didn’t hear them say about the ethnic cause from 2015 to 2020. We are surprised that when they won the election now like in 2015. But we have to welcome if they really do it.” 

 Forty eight ethnic parties ran for the 2020 general election held on November 8. Some candidates of 17 ethnic parties were elected.