Independent candidates sidelined amid election campaign challenges
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Htet Nadi/Pearl (NP News) - Oct 14
According to information obtained by The Statesman, there are difficulties in organizing election campaigns for the upcoming election, and independent parliamentary candidates are not being considered.
Dr. Aung Myo, who will be running as an independent candidate in Zabuthiri Township, said that it is dangerous and necessary to be careful when campaigning on the ground because of the limited manpower. The government allows major parties to campaign through TV channels, but there is no mention of independent Hluttaw candidates.
“As an independent, there is no one to campaign for him in his ward. He campaigns himself while big party candidates do not campaign themselves. It is convenient as they have people to campaign for them. But for independents, there are few people. We have to be careful due to some risks. As an independent, if you have a little popularity rate, you should compete. If the rate is low, the independent will be defeated. Another thing is that they do not give enough consideration to independents. The state media allows political parties to campaign through television. It is not found any statement that relating for independents’ campaign. Independents fall into the mixed proportional representation (PR) system, but the details on how it really works aren’t made clear. That is why I had to choose the Pyithu Hluttaw, which is clear in electoral system,” said Dr. Aung Myo.
U Nay Lin Htun, who will be running as an independent candidate for the Pyithu Hluttaw, said that currently, the UEC only allows political parties to campaign and put up signboards, but does not allow independent candidates. He also said that he is having difficulties in campaigning because his family is not on the voters' list.
“We are not working to lose, we are working to win. It’s not because of any personal grudges. But right now, we’re not even allowed to put up signboards. As an independent candidate, I would like to have at least a small personal signboard. Yet, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) can put up signboards, while we independents are not allowed to put up anything. So, we just sit idle, feeling discouraged. At most, one or two independents might be representatives. Parties like the USDP and PPP have their signboards up. For me, I only have around 20 or 30 family votes. Now, since nothing is permitted, no campaigning, no signboards and we are left with nothing to do.” U Ne Lin Htun told The Statesman journal.
In addition, U Sein Win, who will be running in Lewe Township, said that since independent candidates will be allowed to campaign starting from October 29, preparations are currently underway and security measures are being taken as there are terrorist groups in some villages.
“Officially, the election campaign period is set to last 60 days starting from October 29. Until then, we are not allowed to use loudspeakers, hold rallies, or conduct energetic campaign activities. So, difficulties remain. In the meantime, what I am trying to do is opening victory offices, assigning responsibilities related to the campaign, and preparing administrative matters. They are already making arrangements for village-level organizers to be ready once the official campaign period starts on the 29th. People, however, are living in fear. They are even afraid to check the voter lists, let alone cast their ballots. Because of this situation, working for the truth has become extremely difficult. The second problem is security. In some villages, there are armed groups, so when we travel to those areas, we must take heavy precautions; otherwise, it could be like walking into a killing ground. The third issue is that many farmers are struggling with their livelihoods and are growing weary of politics. Because even when they vote for a party and that party wins power, their hardships remain unresolved. For instance, when their farmland is confiscated, they rely on the party they supported, expecting it to solve the problem. At first, they feel hopeful and proud when their chosen party becomes the government. But as time passes and their needs aren’t met, their trust in the parties turns into fear and disappointment,” U Sein Win told The Statesman journal.
Some politicians and political analysts have suggested that if public interest in the upcoming election is low, only well-established, powerful parties will have an advantage. –