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| USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Union Solidarity and Development Party |
| Native name | တပ်မတော်ကျောင်းရှင်နှင့်တပ်မတော်လူထုပါတီ |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Naypyidaw |
| Country | Myanmar |
USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) The Union Solidarity and Development Party is a major political party in Myanmar formed from the Tatmadaw-linked Union Solidarity and Development Association and widely associated with former State Peace and Development Council leadership. It has played a central role in Myanmar's post-2010 politics, competing with the National League for Democracy and engaging with institutions such as the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and regional Ayeyarwady Region administrations. The party's trajectory intersects with key figures like Thein Sein, Min Aung Hlaing, and international responses including sanctions by the United States Department of the Treasury and measures by the European Union.
The party was established in 2010 against the backdrop of transition from the State Peace and Development Council to a quasi-civilian structure centered in Naypyidaw, succeeding the Union Solidarity and Development Association which had origins under Than Shwe. It contested the 2010 general election dominated by the Tatmadaw and won a majority in the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw amid boycotts and criticism from groups like the National League for Democracy and figures including Aung San Suu Kyi. After the 2010 parliament formation, the party saw leadership from Thein Sein who later initiated reforms that drew engagement from the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and investors such as Petronas and Chevron. Electoral setbacks in 2015 saw the rise of the National League for Democracy and leaders like Htin Kyaw, while the party later reasserted influence following the 2021 action by the Tatmadaw under Min Aung Hlaing that led to emergency rule and detentions of NLD figures.
The party's stated platform emphasizes national unity, development, and stability as framed in documents referencing the 2008 Constitution drafted under the State Peace and Development Council. Its policy positions align with pro-Tatmadaw stances on security and federal arrangements debated with ethnic organizations such as the Kachin Independence Army, Karen National Union, and Arakan Army. Economic policy pronouncements have engaged with projects involving China–Myanmar Economic Corridor, India–Myanmar relations, and regional initiatives like those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Asian Development Bank. Social and cultural rhetoric has invoked symbols related to the Bamar people and national heritage sites such as Shwedagon Pagoda.
Organizational structures mirror lineage from the Union Solidarity and Development Association with township- and region-level committees operating across states including Rakhine State, Kachin State, and Shan State. Key leaders have included Thein Sein, Tin Aye, and military-aligned figures connected to institutions like the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces General Staff Office. The party's internal councils interact with governmental bodies such as the Presidency of Myanmar and regional legislatures including the Mandalay Region Hluttaw. Links to veterans' networks and organizations such as the Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank have influenced patronage and candidate selection.
In the 2010 general election the party secured majorities across the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw amid disputed processes criticized by observers including Amnesty International and the International Crisis Group. The 2015 election saw a decisive loss to the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi and allies like Win Myint, while subsequent by-elections and local contests produced variable results in constituencies such as Yangon and Mandalay. Following the 2021 developments, the party has contested altered political conditions and electoral frameworks tied to provisions in the 2008 Constitution and actions by the State Administration Council.
The party has functioned closely with the Tatmadaw, supplying civilian leadership during administrations including that of Thein Sein, and coordinating policy with ministries like the Ministry of Home Affairs traditionally headed by military appointees. Its members have held cabinet posts and parliamentary committee chairs, engaging with state-owned enterprises such as the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and coordinating security policy with regional commands like those in Kalay and Taunggyi. Relations with ethnic armed organizations and peace processes have been mediated through mechanisms including the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee and ceasefire talks involving negotiators from groups like the United Wa State Army.
Critics including international organizations and domestic activists have accused the party of perpetuating Tatmadaw-era patronage, electoral manipulation, and suppression of dissent in incidents compared by observers to past measures under Ne Win and the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Controversial policies and actions prompted sanctions from entities such as the United States Department of the Treasury and travel restrictions by the European Union for individuals linked to alleged human rights abuses against populations in Rakhine State and during crackdowns in Hlaingthaya and other townships. Allegations of ties to conglomerates like the Myanmar Economic Corporation have raised concerns noted by watchdogs including Human Rights Watch.
The party's international profile has been shaped by relations with China, India, and regional partners in ASEAN, while responses from western governments have included targeted sanctions by the United States and asset restrictions from the European Union against officials associated with post-2010 administration policies. Multilateral institutions including the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund have engaged diplomatically and economically with Myanmar, affecting the party's external engagements. Bilateral ties with countries like Thailand, Japan, and Russia have influenced investment flows and security cooperation amid differing international reactions to Myanmar's political transitions.
Category:Political parties in Myanmar Category:Organizations established in 2010