YANGON - MYANMAR'S prime minister, who recently retired from his military post, has applied to form a new political party ahead of rare elections expected later this year, state media reported on Friday.
Thein Sein and 26 others registered to form the 'Union Solidarity and Development Party' on Thursday at the election commission in the capital city of Naypyidaw, the Myanmar Ahlin and New Light of Myanmar newspapers said.
Although he was not named as the party's candidate for premier, official sources said the newly formed USDP was led by Thein Sein.
'Prime minister Thein Sein will lead the Union Solidarity and Development Party,' an official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Some other ministers are also involved in the party, including agriculture minister Htay Oo and industry minister Aung Thaung, the official said.
The prime minister and some 22 other ministers retired from their military posts on Monday, in a move seen as converting the leadership to civilian form ahead of the elections due this year.
The New Light of Myanmar reported 25 organisations have applied to form political parties over the past month. So far 12 of those have been cleared to campaign, while the rest are being scrutinised, the paper said. Critics charge that the elections will lack credibility because of laws that effectively bar opposition leader and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part. -- AFP
