Under the current political situation, political parties that did not win the election only have the chance to attend ceremonies so they need to try to win at least a parliamentary seat in the next election, said Sai Nyunt Lwin, vice chairman of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). 

He made the remark during a round table talk with People's Party chairman Ko Ko Gyi and Assistance Association for Political Prisoners joint secretary Bo Kyi. The talk was held on the sidelines of a preparatory workshop on the election held at the School for the Bline in Khawechan, Yangon, on December 29. 

"Under the present political situation, the parties that did not win any election are sidelined. There are a lot of such parties. There are about 90. They have the only chance to attend ceremonial occasions such as Independence Day, Union Day and commemorative dinners. They can do nothing except them," said Sai Nyunt Lwin. 

He suggested that the People's Party itself should try to win at least in a constituency. 

Under President Thein Sein's government, the parties that did not win the election were allowed to participate in talks. But, the ruling government has placed some restrictions on them. 

The ruling National League for Democracy is also being criticized for having few meetings with other political parties and ethnic parties. 

People's Party secretary general Ye Naing Aung remarked that both the winning and losing parties should coordinate each other, adding that the role of losing parties should not be small. 

"It is true that under the current government, political parties have a little chance to participate in the peace process. Even if they do not have such a chance, there should a way of seeking coordination among each other. As there is a wide range of issues in our country, review from various perspectives is better," said Ye Naing Aung. 

A total of 91 parties contested the 2015 general election. There are now 98 parties.