Burma governing party officials resign in revamp move

16 October 2012 Last updated at 11:12 GMT    
 President Thein Sein is among USDP party officials to formally step down 

Leaders of Burma's governing party have resigned ahead of a revamp that seeks to strengthen the party against the Aung San Suu Kyi-led opposition, officials say.

President Thein Sein was among officials in the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) to step down before a vote on Tuesday.

Parliamentary speaker Shwe Mann is seen as a contender for a top party role.
Ms Suu Kyi's NLD won 43 of 44 seats it contested in the April by-elections.

Burma's general elections in 2015 are seen as a major test for the current military-backed government that has overseen a series of dramatic political reforms.

The USDP has not had a permanent leader since Thein Sein became president last year.
Shwe Mann, a former general considered as Thein Sein's political rival, told the party conference that "today is a very important day", with the country "keenly watching" what was happening.

"When we reorganise the party we will transform ourselves into the people's party," he said, adding that members should "participate in the reform process".

The USDP, which was established by Burma's former military regime, started a three-day conference on Sunday to choose a new party chief and map out a new strategy.

The party won general elections two years ago that critics say was a sham.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19961124