- Myanmar
Amending the constitution? We’ll try our best
Mi Kon Chan comes from a distinguished family in Mon state in eastern Myanmar. Her father is the vice -chairman of the Mon National Party, Naing Thet Lwin. Yet she is running for a Lower House seat in the Nov. 8 elections as a representative of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Myanmar Now reporter Phyo Thiha Cho spoke to the former businesswoman, Mi Kon Chan used to run a company distributing cosmetic products from abroad, on the campaign trail in Mon State about why she eschewedher father’s party and her political aspirations. Question – As the daughter of a Mon political leader, why are you running for the NLD? Answer – I have not been part of my father’s party from the start. I would assist him when needed. That’s all. I’ve been steadfastly working on the issues concerning Mon people. If we want the country to change, all the ethnic groups should get involved. We are helping to create a federal union. This is not about getting a high position, nor is it also to attack or compete with our own people. We don’t plan to make enemies in the future either. Q – There are three…
- Myanmar
Beyond NLD, Yangon voters stumped on smaller parties
It’s the National League for Democracy or nothing, according to a straw poll of voters in Yangon townships carried out with four weeks to go before Myanmar’s Nov. 8 election. Myanmar Now carried out dozens of interviews in three townships in the commercial capital Yangon to gauge the public’s mood and political inclinations. Among 45 people interviewed in Hlaing Tharyar, Mingalar Taung Nyunt and Thingangyun constituencies, 29 said they intend to vote for Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD, although for varying reasons. Strikingly, the remainder of those who did not have a clear preference for the NLD said they had little interest in voting or the elections in general. In comments that would worry independent candidates and those from smaller parties, almost all were unaware of other political parties beyond the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the opposition NLD. Only four interviewees said they would decide who to vote for after scrutinising the candidates. The interviews in the three constituencies – where around half a million voters have been registered so far, according to Union Election Commission officials – provide a snapshot of the public’s perceptions and aspirations ahead of what has been billed as Myanmar’s first…
- Politics
‘Politicians should design a clear roadmap for change and restore public trust’ – Khin Ma Ma Myo
Khin Ma Ma Myo is the founder and executive director of the Yangon-based Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security Studies (MIPSS), which was set up this year. She studied politics, economics and governance at universities in Japan and the United Kingdom. Myanmar Now reporter PhyoThiha Cho spoke with Khin Ma Ma Myo about Myanmar’s political situation ahead of the election, the prospects of reforms to the 2008 Constitution, and the military’s continued control over the ministries of defence, home affairs and border security. Question: Why do you think the public discussion of constitutional amendments has gone quiet? Answer: Achieving constitutional amendments or resolving the peace process will take a long time. Now, political parties are conducting campaigns with a focus on the public’s immediate needs, such as poverty reduction, education and health, rather than long-term, structural reforms in politics, economy and society. Q: Do you mean political parties are focusing on fundamental needs, instead of addressing the public’s political expectations, such as greater democracy? A: I assume some political parties are changing their approach to prioritise improvement of peoples’ livelihoods. After that, they will push for political reforms. It should not be read as if they are neglecting the political…
- Myanmar
Activists in race to push an apathetic electorate to register and vote
On a recent hot afternoon on a bustling street in Hlaing Thayar Township, residents and stall keepers were shading themselves from the blistering sun, but a group of youth activists clad in blue T-shirts were undeterred in their efforts to motivate would-be voters. “Soon there will be elections that could change our future. You have the freedom to vote for your preferred candidates, but you will only be able to do so if your name is on the voter list,” a member of the Independent Youth For Change announced through a handheld speaker to passers-by. “We urge you to check the voter list.” Hlaing Thayar Township, a sprawling mix of shanty towns and industrial estates on Yangon’s northern outskirts, has emerged as one of the main areas in the city affected by widespread voter registration problems. The issue could leave tens of thousands of people in the township – and many more nationwide – without the opportunity to vote in Myanmar’s landmark polls on Nov. 8. Concerned activists and opposition party candidates are trying to mobilise voters in the area to make sure their names are correctly registered on voter lists. But the time left to do this is fast…
