BNI Election Newsroom interviewed several ethnic candidates that contested ridings in Kachin State to collect their opinions on why things turned out badly for their parties and what the future of Kachin State and the country might look like.

U Lwam Zaung (Kachin Democratic Party)
Ethnic Kachin have been left out of official party politics since the administration of authoritative government (military dictatorship). It’s not only the public but also Kachin leaders that have been unable to decide what political direction to take. I haven’t seen ethnic parties or local parties acting strongly or powerful. The main thing is that they haven’t decided on what political direction to take on a national level. I see that we still need to continue working to improve policies within our own parties. Ethnic Arakanese are far superior in this regards. Unity amongst their people became stronger after the Arakan State crisis (sectarian conflict that broke out with Rohingya). Their vision became clearer. There are more Arakanese living in Arkan State allowing the ethnic parties more weight in the administration of their own affairs. As for ethnic Kachin people, we only account for 40 percent of Kachin State’s total population. Only local ethnic people truly understand our region it will be very difficult for the ruling party to stand firmly on our affairs. To some extent in this regard there will be losses. As only one party is powerful, there could be issues for the other parties. The NLD should make itself available to meet with local ethnic parties and cooperate in solving the various issues that urgently need resolving.

U Ci Ci Naw Jar (Kachin National Democracy Congress Party)
The best situation would be if local parties associated with the states get into Parliament. However, the NLD has been able to settle down firmly with their people for many years. We were only able to organize our party in 2013. Our party was unable to campaign for eight months because our logo is similar to the Kachin Independence Organisation flag. Our campaigning was weak and this is the reason why there is such a huge big gap in polling results. Anyways, I still welcome the NLD’s victory. With their party policies they are preparing for parliamentary change on a state and union level. This is truly needed and so I welcome their success but still I’m frustrated that not many local political parties won seats. Now the NLD can affect the country on a federal level, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has often talked about this. In this regard, time will tell how much they are able to accomplish. Ethnic Kachin will need to closely monitor what opportunities are created for our people, and how much they will carry out on their promises for a real union and on a state-level. The NLD won a majority in Parliament giving them the power to freely administer their policies, this is a real advantage. The disadvantages of single party dominating Parliament are that some (on a state-level concerning ethnic groups) won’t be represented.

U Shwe Min (Lisu National Development Party)
They persuaded ethnic people by using the word ‘change’ in party slogans, this is fair. However, will there be change in the areas where our parties didn’t win parliamentary seats, as is deserved? There won’t be anyone to speak for them. Ethnic candidates in the NLD will have to work under official party policies and this may weaken their position advocating rights for our people.  If ethnic parties could enter Parliament they will more power to address these issues. It’s not that I don’t accept their victory, I do. It’s just that I’m worried it might result in lost opportunities for our parties. Ethnic parties also have weaknesses, especially related to limited budgets. This prevented them from competing against major parties by restricting their campaigning and ability to make promises of development for their respective communities. Because they didn’t win they can’t bring their concerns to Parliament and may lose what rights they already have. Looking at each administration in Myanmar it is evident not much has been done to help ethnic populations develop according to the law. The NLD will become the majority government.  Frankly speaking, it’s a party led by the dominate race (Bamar). What can they do for the rights of the ethnic minorities? In the past they haven’t been able to do anything which is why ethnic parties formed. If the larger parties provide these rights creating new opportunities it will save our race and culture from being lost. We must wait and see how much the new government can do. If it isn’t the rights we do have are going to fade away day by day.

U Daung Kham (Lawwaw National Unity and Development Party)
Ethnic parties lacked the experience and preparation (for contesting the election). We aren’t satisfied with their performances. Major parties were more prepared, so naturally they performed better and won. Our parties didn’t have a large budget; we also don’t have a lot of experience or a good education. I think because of the struggle with these issues we lost. I believe opportunities for ethnic parties will be limited because there will be a majority government. In order for a party to function they need seats in one of the parliaments. Only then will ethnic parties be able to gain the political experience allowing them to make a stand for change. Now that we won’t be entering Parliament all of this is compromised.

U Samar Kyaw Phar Naw (Kachin State Democracy Party)
Priority was given to the main opposition party (NLD) instead of ethnic parties, limiting their power. It’s not that people dislike the USDP, but they believed a well-known party (NLD) will be able to change the bad administrative system in the country. This is why one party (NLD) won (a majority government). It would be better if many ethnic candidates picked up seats in Parliament. If we continue to be neglected, I worry that we will lose even more of our rights.

Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff