A local election in the Tarana village tract of Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, has yielded one of Burma’s only women village tract administrators.
In the election, Mi Jalon Htaw, 41, won by a wide margin with 145 votes to defeat her three male opponents. Nai Hamu won 40 votes, Nai Htun Sein received 28, and Nai Hla Htun carried 16 votes.
“It sets a good example for younger women to see and learn from this [election] for the future. For now, it is only about half the people that fight against the belief that only men can be reliable administrative leaders,” said Mi Jalon Htaw, also known as Mi Than Htay.
The newly elected tract administrator went on to say that she would work with youth organizations and members of village organizations to address current challenges and development needs.
Several villagers reported being delighted by the news of Mi Jalon Htaw’s election, and Mon women networks said they were proud of the result.
According to U Aung Htiek, a Kyaikmayaw Township administrator, elections for local positions must be in accordance with the country’s village and ward administration laws, regardless of a candidate’s gender.
“As everyone can see from this election, the leadership by the five members of the administration resulted in having one person elected according to the public’s wishes. It is not that important whether the elected person is a man or a woman. What is important is to lead and manage the [village] tract well.”
Prior to her election, Mi Jalon Htaw was Vice Officer-in-Charge of Thaton District’s Mon National Education Department. To contest the village tract seat, she resigned from her post after being granted a five-year leave by the Mon National Education Committee.
The Tarana Village tract includes Kaw Sor, Kaw Nont and Kyun Kon villages.
