Myanmar campaign rule poses obstacles
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Political parties have witnessed difficulties in launching their election campaigns due to a delay in the final candidate list as well as control on public speeches.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) just announced the candidate list for the 2015 national election on September 5, only three days before political parties are allowed to kick off election campaigns. However, some candidates said their names were missing from the list though they were qualified to run.
On September 3, the UEC also issued Order No 1/2014, which lays out regulations for campaign speeches and ethics. The order requires candidates to apply to make campaign speeches in person at election commission branch offices within fifteen days after the candidate list is announced.
Several political parties complained that the order limits the places and times for campaigning. They also said the limits set by the Order No 1/2014 are exacerbated by inadequate transportation infrastructure around the country.
“Uncomfortable transportation is a significant problem in Chin State. The candidates face serious difficulties getting transportation for the election campaign," said Pu Gin Kam Lian, a candidate from the Zomi Congress for Democracy who is running to represent No 5 Tiddim Constituency, Chin State.
"The final candidate list has not been announced yet. Therefore, we face many problems in campaigning. On the other hand, the election commission of Chin State has proposed to postpone the election date to the [UEC]. However, the UEC has not approved it yet,” he added.
Chin State is among the regions hardest hit by the recent flooding.
Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party vice-chairperson Mann Aung Pyi Soe said that as candidates must apply to campaign in person, that poses some difficulties.
Under the order, if the speech will be given at the party’s own headquarters, the candidate does not need to apply for permission and must only inform the commission two days in advance.
