The Irrawaddy

 

Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is openly aligning itself with Buddhist ultranationalist group Ma Ba Tha as it ramps up campaigning for the December–January election, raising fears of renewed religious and racial tensions.

 

Hla Swe, head of the USDP’s Naypyitaw chapter, declared in a recent journal entry that “Ma Ba Tha means the USDP,” underscoring the party’s close ties to the hardline movement. Founded under the USDP regime in 2012, Ma Ba Tha gained notoriety for anti-Muslim protests and lobbying for laws targeting interfaith marriage and religious conversion.

 

Swe likened the group to global right-wing figures, calling Donald Trump “America’s Ma Ba Tha” and Japan’s prime minister a local equivalent. He also proclaimed the death of liberalism, stating that “nations will now embrace only those who protect race and religion.”

 

USDP chairman Khin Yi has been meeting regularly with nationalist figures, including disciples of firebrand monk Wirathu and supporters of past political violence. In October, ultranationalist Myat Phone Maw posted a photo with Khin Yi, pledging to “move forward together.”

 

As campaigning began, Ma Ba Tha activists targeted a Muslim candidate in Yangon, accusing him of supporting the Civil Disobedience Movement. Pro-junta media amplified the claims, though the candidate’s involvement remains unconfirmed.

 

The USDP’s embrace of Ma Ba Tha follows a pattern of collaboration dating back to the 2021 coup, when both groups organised pro-military rallies. Charges of incitement filed by the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) against key ultranationalists have since been dropped.

 

Observers warn that with the NLD barred and opposition suppressed, the USDP could dominate the polls — giving Ma Ba Tha renewed influence over national policy. A Yangon resident voiced concern: “Blood is already being shed in armed conflicts. I don’t want to see more spilled over religion or race.”

 

Analysts say Ma Ba Tha’s resurgence is being facilitated by Pyu Saw Htee militias, described as “Ma Ba Tha in uniform.” Yet despite their visibility, public support remains limited. “If Ma Ba Tha were truly popular,” one analyst noted, “the USDP wouldn’t need to campaign.”

 

 

-2025-11-07

 

What are they having an election for? Opposition barred anyway. The result will never be uphead if the junta's party lose (unlikely).