UEC criticised for limited media coverage of election

In the letter to Myanmar Press Council (Interim), the UEC specified that only three press members from a media in respective townships are allowed to cover the election.

“The election is a change for the country. Such limitations on press coverage should not be made in the transitional period to a democratic nation...If media is controlled, a change in Myanmar’s politics will be regrettable,” Shwe Hmon, the chief reporter of Thamaga News Journal, said.

Aung Hla Tun of Reuters, chairman of Myanmar foreign correspondents club, questioned the UEC’s motive, saying that all keep a close eye on the election. If the UEC wanted to ensure that the election would be free and fair, why the media is not allowed to cover the election freely,  he asked. 

“There should not be media repression. Coverage freedom should be fulfilled to true journalists,” Aung Hla Tun said.

Election observer groups have also questioned the UEC’s motive.

 “The UEC allows only three journalists from a media in the respective townships. Its intention is unclear. Can the journalists take photographs inside the polling station or outside? I think there is no need to limit the number of journalists outside the polling station. If only three journalists near the polling station are allowed to cover, in my opinion, it seems very repressive,” Sai Ye Kyaw Swa Myint of Pace election observer group said.

The UEC revealed that media identity cards would be issued after the journalists have already signed the acknowledgement attached with the announcement. They must also register no later than November 5. The acknowledgement required the journalists to follow existing laws, regulations and instructions occasionally issued by the Ministry of Information. Some point out that the acknowledgement does not concern the election.

“We will have to follow the rules issued not only by the UEC but also by the Information Ministry. I would like to ask whether the UEC is an independent organisation. The acknowledgement does not mention how to cover the election. The UEC’s announcement is a bit weak,” Aung Tun Lin, the deputy chief editor of Myanmar Thandawhsint (Herald) News Journal, said.

 Upper House MP Dr Aye Maung also said that the UEC aimed to impose strict media control.  

“Journalists usually move from one place to other. In some constituencies where powerful parties contest, they will be packed with journalists,” he said. “News coverage should be free. Controlling media seems to prevent the journalists from free coverage. It is true that the journalists need permission from the UEC for coverage, but obstacles should not be placed to prevent their freedom.”