Htoe Hmyar — U Robert Nyay Reh, a candidate with the Kayah Unity Democracy Party (KUDP). is running for a seat representing Karenni State Upper House Constituency No 7 which encompasses Shadaw Township. His opponent is the officially independent candidate, U Aung Min, President Thein Sein's chief negotiator in the peace process and a minister in the outgoing government.
Q: What is aim for running in Shadaw?
A: It’s because of the areas where I used to live. When I saw the difficulties of my people and the region, I wanted to do this for them. If I have the chance, I will join hands with them and work together with them despite the difficulties. I’m running with the aim to work for education, economics and [to improve] the road and communication sectors in my region.
Q: Have you held a lot of campaign rallies?
A: Yes, I have.
Q: Union Ministers are running in your constituency so what kind of challenges are you facing?
A: As the Union Ministers are running here, they have an advantage in rallying due to their ability to support the public.
We can’t do as much as them, but we do our best to explain our direction, aims and goals in order for the public to understand. We explained to them about having our own people involved in the government if we get a chance [to win] in this election.
Q: Do you have self-confidence in running against the Union Ministers?
A: I have self-confidence, but a competition needs participation from our side. I have decided not to think about winning or losing until later.
Q: If you win, what is the first proposal you will submit to the parliament for this constituency?
A: If I win, I will go and seek the desire of the public. Then, I’ll submit their voices in the parliament, covering all issues.
Q: What difficulties do the Shadaw residents face?
A: Their main difficulties are roads communication and economics. As for education, they have difficulties in attending high school.
Q: What else do you want to add?
A: We hope more people from the ethnic parties in our region can be in a government that will be formed in 2016. Only then can they effectively work for our state.
Nevertheless, I want to urge the public to support local ethnic parties that are running in their state even though ethnic ministers are running here.
Name: U Robert Nyay Reh
Age: 43
Occupation: Agriculture
Education: B.A (History)
Party: Kayah Unity Democracy Party (KUDP)
Translated by Thida Linn with editing by BNI staff.
