A case has been filed against U Aung San Htoo, Tarlawgyi village administrator in Myitkyina District Kachin State, based on an accusation of canvassing villagers at a ceremony to provide assistance to the people with no regular income during the COVID-19 era.
On 5 August, the ceremony to provide basic foodstuffs and cash assistance to the people with no regular income by the government was held at Tarlawgyi village in Myitkyina District in Kachin State.
U Myo Aye from Sinbo village filed a case against him at Myikyina Myoma Police Station on 15 August against the village administrator.
Police Colonel Myint Moe from Myitkyina Myoma Police Station said: “The police have launched an investigation into the complaint as it is the breach of Section 58 (a) of the Election Law.
As this is not a cognizable offense, the police will seek legal advice.
Section 58 (a) of the Election Law said: “Giving and taking bribes by way of money, goods, foodstuff, position or service transfer or by using any other right in order to obtain the electoral right by unlawful means or as gratitude for obtaining such right.”
U Aung San Htoo said: “We provided you with rice and edible oil, didn’t we? In addition to it, we will provide cash assistance of Ks 20,000. Electricity is available in the village. That’s why we are indebted to the minister and party. We need to show your gratitude to them at a time when all of you cast your votes on 8 November. I would like to urge the whole village to try to express our gratitude.”
According to Section 58 (a) of the Election Law said: “Whoever is found guilty of or abetting one of the following acts shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with fine not exceeding one hundred thousand kyats or with both.”
“Normally, the police will have to arrest the village administrator under the relevant section of the Election Law. The bylaws of the State Election Law fail to exactly disclose whether the accused can be granted bail or not. That’s why I have to look at Table-2 of the Code of Procedure. The accused can get bail if the imprisonment is less than three years. According to the police investigation, the village administrator is receiving medical treatment in Mandalay,” Police Colonel Myint Moe added.
