Two candidates of the USDP slated to contest from Hakha and Thantlang township constituencies in Chin state in the 7 November general elections in Burma have been barred by the Election Commission last week.

“One reason for the ban could be they were in a foreign country earlier. Pu Hram Ceu was nominated for the State Parliament and was to contest from Hakha and Pu Ngun Hram was nominated for the People’s Parliament and was meant to contest from Thantlang Township,” said Pu Vanlian, President of the NLD in Hakha.

“We are not aware why they were banned, whether because they went abroad illegally or they do not meet the 10-year residency status criteria,” he added.

Rumours say that Pu Hram Ceu was in Malaysia and Pu Ngun Hram was in America earlier.

The electoral laws state that a person contesting for a seat in Parliament must be settled in the Union of Myanmar for at least 10 years, or else he cannot contest for a seat in Parliament.

Similarly, U Hung Nai, a nominated candidate of the Chin National Party to contest from Mindat constituency (2) where Brig. Commander Hung Ngai is contesting was also barred by the Election Commission for visiting a foreign country illegally.

On this, a secretary of the Chin National Party said the Election Commission is yet to officially announce its decision on U Hung Nai’s candidature. However, we are already prepared to accept the EC decision if it comes about.