Q: Tell us why you decided to run in the election.

A: As a woman, I want to submit women’s voices to the parliament. Also, development is slow in my home town. I have a feeling that it still lacks equality. What I mean by equality is a lack of development in all sectors.
While carrying out social work, I believe it would only be effective if I can get into a place with more authority and my voice can be heard more.

Q: You said your aim is women, so in which sectors will you give priority to women?

A: When I say women, this includes both mothers and children. If I have the authority, I want to work on discrepancy in underage rape cases and and prison sentences. As I’m running for the state parliament, I don’t have the authority to enact laws, but I can urge those who pass the laws.

Also, I want to study the law in detail and push for the amendment of parts of the constitution that are not beneficial for the public. I believe we still haven’t been able to have peace and end wars due to the weaknesses of the constitution. So, even though I can’t do this [pass laws], I will urge those with authority.

Q: Among two Shan parties, why did you choose to become a candidate of the SNLD (Tiger Head Party)?

A: Even before I was the party’s candidate, I joined the party as a member. While I was working as a joint secretary for the Shan Literature Cultural Association before 2010, the White Tiger Party (SNDP) also invited me [to join the party]. I only did literature. I didn’t know much about politics.

There are many Shan people in the White Tiger Party and the USDP. Many of them are educated. I have studied the White Tiger Party. I have also studied the principles and history of the Tiger Head Party. When I saw its leaders are still making sacrifices, I chose this party as I wanted to offer my assistance. I didn’t join with the intention to become a candidate.

Q: Please tell us whether there are any difficulties in running in the election as a female candidate.

A: Since I was selected as the party’s candidate, the first difficulty I’ve faced was my family. I had to discuss with my husband first whether or not it would be possible. Also, my party has always been an opposition party. We have been hearing that it does not have an understanding with the government so I had to negotiate with my husband.

My second weakness is a lack of budget as I’m not the head of my household. My third weakness is security when campaigning.

For example, it’s not convenient for me to travel overnight or when I’m not familiar with the area. Another thing is a lack of data such as the number of village tracts in my constituency. Before holding campaign rallies, we have to ask for permission at the monasteries and houses where they will be held. We have to ask how many people are going to attend them. Then, we submit a letter to the commission. Only then can we go. It’s questionable whether there is a right to campaign freely. These are our difficulties.

Q: What have you learned from the public when you go campaigning? What are their voices?

A: We have learned that the public still doesn’t understand the voting system. The more we travel to the rural areas, the more we learn that they are still unclear about the electoral system, parties, and voting process. The public still needs a lot of awareness training. What we have learned from most of them are their fears. There are too many parties so they don’t know who to vote for. They still don’t know whether their names are included on the voter list. They are still afraid of amending the voter list. They are worried about whether or not they can vote freely.

Q: What message do you want to give to the constituents?

A: Shan people are in every party. So, I want to tell them to vote for a party only after having a clear knowledge of what that party is doing and what are its aims instead of splitting up votes.