Ahead of election

Limits on media coverage 

Local and foreign media have criticised the Union Election Commission’s decision to impose controls on news reporting by allowing only three reporters to cover each township. 
“This 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.
Election observer groups have also questioned the UEC’s motive.

NLD candidate rejected 
The Mandalay Region Election Sub-Commission has rejected an appeal by National League for Democracy candidate Win Myint, who was banned from running on the grounds that his parents are not Myanmar citizens. 
The sub-commission said they based the decision on documents from the Immigration Department. According to regional parliamentary election law, Win Myint cannot appeal to the Union Election Commission. 
His lawyer Khin Maung Than said when Win Myint was born, his father held a foreign registration card and received a Myanmar citizenship card in 1976. The medical doctor opened Royal Private Hospital in 1990 and is also patron of a social aid organisation.

Parliament adjourned 
The 12th Parliament session was adjourned on Thursday and some MPs expect the next session to take place after the election. 
The session started on January 19. During the period, 80 bills were discussed out of 96.

Voter list amendments 
Final voter lists will be completed next month, as the Union Election Committee had difficulties in rechecking the names when the country was devastated by flooding.
It will be displayed for 14 days and any mistakes must be reported during the period.

Early election posters 
The National League for Democracy in Saw Township, Magway Region, has complained to the area’s election commission about posters of Upper House MP Hla Swe from the Union Solidarity and Development Party ahead of the official campaign period. 
The campaign will start on September 8.