Five ethnic political parties call on UEC to reconsider decision to cancel elections in their constituencies

On October 18th, a coalition of five ethnic parties called on the Union Election Commission (UEC) to review its decision to cancel the election in select areas. 

The five ethnic political parties that came together to release their statement included the  Kachin State People’s Party (KSPP), the Kayah State Democratic Party (KSDP), the Kayin National Democratic Party (KNDP), the Chin National Democratic Party (CNDP), and the New Mon State Party (NMSP). 

“Before announcing an area where the election could not be held, [the UEC} should seek the views of relevant political parties. This is the question of the commission’s transparency and free elections. The UEC did not say why the election was not allowed. It is known that there is a security problem in the townships where the election cannot be held.” said Nai Laye Ta Ma, Joint Secretary (1) of the Mon Unity Party.

However, U Saw Chit Khin,Kayin State Hluttaw Chair, sent a letter to the Kayin State Election Commission Chair citing security concerns existed due to the presence of some armed groups in Hlaing Bwe Township, Kayin State Amyotha Hluttaw Constituency No. (9) Area and Karen State Hluttaw Hlaing Bwe Township. 

With roughly  20 days left before the election, the UEC decision is not fair to voters, claimed the ethnic political party leaders.

According to the UEC  statement, the following constituencies will be affected: 192 village tracts in 11 townships in Kachin State, 53 village tracts in 6 townships of Kayin State, 1 village tract in Mon State, 9 wards in Rakhine State, 15 wards, and 137 village tracts in 4 other townships. In addition,  6 townships in Shan State, and 8 wards in 17 other townships, 133 village tracts, and 42 village tracts in 2 townships in Bago Region will also be impacted.

The effect on ethnic voters rights will be most felt  in Rakhine and Kachin States. 

In Kayin State, 53 village tracts will be barred from voting for the 2020 election. 

In 2015, people in 94 village tracts lost their right to vote, said Mann Aung Pyi Soe, Chair of KNDP.

“Some say it is because of the ethnic armed groups. I think we will not lose the right to vote if we negotiate with each other,” he said.

On 18 October, Union Betterment Party (UBP), led by Thura U Shwe Mann sent a letter to the Commission urging a review of the announcement. He fears that national reconciliation and peace will be jeopardized. 

Dr Nanda Hla Myint, spokesperson with the  Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) also told the media the Commission’s decision should be reconsidered.