Htoe Myar — Candidates running in Karenni State say the have been able to campaign without intimidation so far. Although most of the candidates have been facing financial issues, they have not faced any threats, the parties tell BNI.
“It’s safe for us when we are campaigning,” said U Boe Reh, a candidate running in Demoso Township from the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Some parties say there have been other difficulties when traveling even though it was safe for them.
“We have had some difficulties traveling, but there isn’t any interference,” said U Tun Kyaing from the Kayah Unity Democracy Party in Mese, who is running for a seat in the Upper House’s Constituency No 12.
A Demoso Township Commission official also claimed that candidates have been campaigning in an open and democratic manner. “It’s safe for the candidates from here. We haven’t heard anything. Nothing has happened,” said U Kyaw San from the Demoso Township Commission.
Police Major U Kyaw Zaw from the Demoso Township said the candidates have been holding their campaigns under safe conditions. “We have only carried out security duties during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit. Other people haven’t called us. We have met them and they said they still don’t need security when they are traveling on their own. I haven’t heard about any difficulties in these areas,” he said.
