Lower House to discuss new electoral system despite objections

 

Forty-two MPs, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, earlier objected to the proposal introduced by MP Aung Zin from the National Democratic Force Party on July 24. In protest against the decision, some 30 representatives of ethnic political parties refused to attend the parliamentary session on July 24, marking their first boycott. 

Aung Zin pointed out that a proportional system should be practiced only in the Lower House and seven regional parliaments, while the current system – in which the candidate who receives the most votes takes the seat – would continue in the Upper House, self-administered regions and states. 

A committee should be formed to fast track the introduction of an appropriate electoral system, he said. Lower House MP Tin Nwe Oo seconded the motion.

MP Ba Shein from the Arakan National Party, however, objected to the proposal, saying ethnic parties feared the change would damage the ongoing reform process. 

“Ethnic parties are afraid of accepting a proportional  system because if Parliament decides to change this could have a damage national consolidation,” said Ba Shein.

A majority of MPs supported the proposal. Those who objected consisted mainly of the opposition National League for Democracy party and ethnic parties. Those wishing to discuss this proposal can register no later than July 24, said Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann.

“A proportional representation system can disrupt national consolidation. We are against discussing it at this point,” Aung San Suu Kyi told the reporters after the vote.

Among some 30 ethnic representatives who did not attend the Parliament session on July 24, 18 were from the Shan Nationalities Democratic party, six from the Arakan National Party, three from the All Mon Region Democracy Party and one from Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party.

“This is the decision of our National Brotherhood Federation. We will not attend the Parliament when the PR system is discussed. It is a way of showing our disapproval,” said MP Khin Saw Wai from Arakan National Party.

He also said that if this system is approved and enforced in states and regions, protests would be organised in all states. 

“We oppose the PR system. We have protested against it through announcements and a letter to the speaker. Yet, the proposal finds its way to Parliament. It’s no use listening to the discussion as we’ll never win in the voting. That’s why we decided to skip the session. All 18 members of our party did not attend,” said Sai Hla Kyaw from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party.

The PR system has four types: party list, mix member proportional, mix member proportional majority and single transferable vote. 

On Monday, opposition parties urged the government not to change the electoral system next year, saying the time was not right to do so.

NLD leaders and representatives of four main ethnic political parties held a discussion on Parliament’s move to implement the change for the 2015 general election.

“We agreed with the ethnic parties to protest against changing electoral system,” NLD spokesman Nyan Win said.

“This only makes confusion for voters and we believe this PR system is not good for the country at this time,” he said.

An alliance of 20 ethnic parties also announced in late June that they would not accept the proposed changes. 

Proportional representation would apportion legislative seats to each party based on the total number of votes received in the general election. 

The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party argued that the change would provide more opportunities for smaller parties. The NLD is expected to win the next election in a landslide, analysts say.