The Union Election Commission has submitted a list of names of ethnic parliament members involved in the Fifth Amendment of Union Election policy to the Pyithu Hluttaw on January 30th.
In October 2019, the Election Commission amended the rules governing citizens of Myanmar who take up temporary residency in another part of the country, typically for employment opportunities. The October amendment granted these voters their voting right after 90 days of residency in their new constituency.
There has been disagreement about his amendment voiced by ethnic parties who view the change as potentially impacting voting outcomes in areas where traditionally dominant ethnic groups are seeing an influx of other ethnic communities.
The fifth amendment addresses this controversial issue and would establish a minimum residency of 180 days, instead of the previously established 90 days residency requirement, explained U Sai Poe Myat, a Member of Parliament, Mu Se constituency, Northern Shan State.
He also discussed the option that voters who are away from their constituencies and are not able to return would have a right to cast their votes at a place where they currently reside for their respective members of Parliament.
“A proposed [amendment where a voter has a] minimum 90 days [residency] allows any political parties a chance to win in their state and region constituencies, which could hinder free and fair elections,” said U La Ma Naw Aung, a Member of Parliament, Injanyan KSPP – Kachin State People’s Party.
He continued that “the 90 day [residency requirement] should be [returned] to 180 days to prevent, [the loss of] political rights of ethnic minorities.”
Military member of Parliament, General Tint San Naing, also proposed that the minimum of 180 days be amended. He added, that changes are also needed, so that polling stations for military personnel outside of military compounds, should be located where security concerns are negotiated with Tatmadaw.
