Election Commission 'guarantees' free and fair 2015 poll

Tin Aye, chairman of the Union Election Commission, said on Saturday a strategic plan was being drawn to ensure a smooth and problem-free election.

When completed the plan would be distributed to political parties and social organisations for their suggestions, he said. 

He also promised that the 2015 election would be transparent, free and fair. 

“We guarantee a free and fair election 100 per cent. But the media must point out problems if there are any. Our commission does not want to see injustice. We want good people to go to parliament.”

He also admitted to some mistakes during the 2010 election, noting that there was not much time for preparation. Reports were rampant that the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party won the 2010 election by declaring victory at the advanced balloting stage. When the by-elections took place in 2012, village election commissions were criticised for excluding many eligible voters from the voting lists in most constituencies. 

The 2010 poll was Myanmar’s first general election in 20 years. The results of the 1990 election, a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy, were not recognised by the ruling military regime.

 

Govt to launch public health insurance next year

The government is aiming to launch Myanmar’s first comprehensive public health insurance policy next year, according to the deputy minister of Finance.

Currently, health insurance only covers snakebite.

“The health insurance policy must be affordable for everyone,” said Deputy Minister for Finance Maung Maung Thein.  

The government would join hands with the Ministry of Health, private insurance companies, hospitals and clinics to develop a plan for the policy ahead of its launch by the end of 2014.

About 230,000 citizens are currently covered by snakebite insurance.

 

Charter change key to genuine peace – NLD

The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) and representatives from 12 ethnic groups have agreed on the importance of constitutional amendments to achieve internal peace. 

The landmark decision was made during a meeting on Saturday at the NLD’s Yangon headquarters.

“Constitutional amendment and internal peace come together. The NLD presented its constitutional amendment and internal peace process. All representatives from the ethnic groups agreed to that. At a meeting on September 21 we will decide whether to draft a new Constitution or to amend the current one,” said Tin Ngwe, a representative of the Kamans National League for Democracy.

The NLD’s Constitution Amendment Committee and representatives from ethnic groups have already agreed to meet every Saturday.