UEC upholds residency rule for candidates despite parties’ requests
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Phyo(NP News)
During a meeting on August 26 with the 61 political parties registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC), some parties requested concessions from the commission. However, the UEC confirmed that the elections will continue to be held in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
“Previously, candidates could contest in any constituency they chose, regardless of where they were registered. Now, there is a restriction requiring them to have lived in the constituency they wish to contest for at least six months. It is understood that the request to relax this requirement is not acceptable,” said U Htet Aung Kyaw, deputy chairman of the National Democratic Force (NDF) party, in an interview with Statesmen Journal.
According to the sixth amendment to the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and Region or State Hluttaw Election Laws, the original phrase “persons included in the electoral roll” was changed to “persons included in the electoral roll of the relevant constituency.” This means candidates can only contest in areas where they are officially registered on the household list.
As a result, individuals wishing to run for office in townships other than the one in which they are registered for the census face difficulties. However, U Htet Aung Kyaw noted that there is a possible workaround.
“There is one way for candidates to contest wherever they want, but they must change their census registration. It’s a bit of a hassle. I’m not sure whether the UEC intends for candidates to represent only their respective local areas,” he said.
“The public should be the ones to choose their representatives. In some cases, it seems the UEC is making decisions on behalf of the people. Still, we must abide by the rules of the game. We will compete to the best of our ability, no matter what,” he added, commenting on the UEC’s regulations.–