Although drafting of a parliamentary act to introduce a system of proportional representation has begun in the commission established by the Amyotha Hluttaw to consider the matter, it is highly unlikely that the system will be adopted in time for the 2015 elections, said an official from the Union Election Commission.
U Thaung Hlaing, director of the election department in the Union Election Commission told Mizzima on August 19 that the bureaucracy required to introduce such a system would take longer than the time available before the election.
“If we are to adopt PR then the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw must prescribe the election law, then the election commission must prescribe the associated regulations and issue directions and inform the political parties and the people of the new system, which is unachievable in 16 months. It takes time, said U Thaung Hlaing.
Members of the commission established by the Amyotha Hluttaw to consider the options for the introduction of a new voting system told Mizzima on August 19 that work on the drafting of a law had started the day before.
U Aye Thu Aung, leader of the Rakhine National Party told Mizzima on August 19 that he was worried about the potential impact of proportional representation on his state.
“It may produce risks and challenges in Rakhine State; Bengalis are allowed to hold white [National Registration] cards and are eligible to vote. Bengalis might occupy a third of the State Hluttaw, they could reach the Amyotha Hluttaw. This is a challenge for the nation,” said U Aye Tha Aung.
U Saing Nyunt Lwin, secretary of the Shan National League for Democracy told Mizzima that he also had concerns on August 19.
“They said in 2013 that a PR system would not be used but now since June 2014 it looks like they are going to introduce it in a hurry. There must be some ulterior motives; they [the USDP] should not try to cheat and defraud the elections this time, they need to be honest,” said U Saing Nyunt Lwin.
