Low turnout at YCDC poll

 

Only 106,089 out of 409,889 eligible voters cast their ballots in the election on December 27. The low turnout ratio of 25.9 per cent aside, the election was carried out amid criticisms. Fears are if these practices are adopted with the national election this year, flawed and  unfair election is guaranteed.

A total of 1,068 poll booths were set up in schools and religious halls across the city, but one election booth for more than 200 people attracted between 30 and 40 voters, according to monitors. 

Some voters did not know where to cast their ballots. Only the head of the household was included in the list but if that person was away, no one else could vote on their behalf. Some people went to the wrong booth and were redirected to another booth far away, meaning many voters abandoned the task.

Critics have point to the public's lack of trust and interest in the YCDC.

"According to reports, the number of voters was low in the rest of the townships except for our Yaytarshay ward," said Dr Nyo Nyo Thin, Yangon regional MP, from Bahan Township, who observed the election. "It was a big mistake to give the responsibility to the administrators. They did what they wanted with the voting list. The public didn't trust them so they didn't participate. That’s why the election didn’t attract the public’s interest."

A disenfranchised voter called only Ringo in Shwegondaing ward, Bahan Township, said: “I will not stand for this. If we continue to stand for such acts, the country will get even worse. I didn't come here to vote to flatter anyone. 

It has been reported that five unknown men entered a polling booth in Insein Township and instructed the public to vote for one candidate. Naw Hla Hla Soe, a female candidate from Western District, said a report has been submitted to the Yangon City Commission over the incident.

Thein Thein, from Pazundaung Township, said: "I came to cast my ballot because they said they will carry out works in our ward for us. I believe they will do as much as they can, starting with cleanliness. In our ward, there are floods since the gutters are often blocked." 

Due to unsystematic collection of the voter list before the election, many households were left off the list, including some of the candidates. People who were excluded from the list said they lost their human rights and the election lacked transparency.

A total of 293 candidates have participated with 115 representatives elected. This includes 39 candidates who were standing unopposed.

Out of the 293 candidates, 115 were elected.  They will start work at the beginning of 2015.

 “As a candidate, I was not allowed to ask how many votes I got. I was also not allowed to ask how many voters there were. Tamwe Township has 20 wards. I won in 10 wards. I stood second in the remaining wards. But there is a difference between my votes and the announcement of winners. I will file a complaint,” said Hsan Myint Aung, a losing candidate for the Tamwe Township Development Committee.