Leaders of ethnic parties are facing many obstacles during the campaign at a time when there are only about 20 days left until Election Day.
There is a big gap between the big parties and small ethnic parties due to the restrictions of the canvassing for the 2020 General Election.
Sai Htay Aung, Chair of the Shan-Ni National Development Party said: “We are facing many difficulties. We also face personal attacks. We have to educate our supporters on how to cast their votes. We receive complaints. A mass gathering of more than 50 people is banned due to the COVID-19 period.”
He commented that this is a “big problem for the smaller parties but the big parties.” face it. “Election Officials told me by phone that the canvassing would not be allowed if there are mass gatherings but the NLD is conducting an election campaign in Mohnyin Township. I asked the commission whether the NLD asked for a permit from the commission for canvassing? The commission said the NLD did not submit a request but the NLD did lodge a complaint to the commission about our canvassing. This is no good.”
Last month, the Union Election Sub-Commission (UEC) issued a statement, calling on the political parties to follow COVID-related health orders and directives when they do the mass gatherings and canvassing.
U Naung Latt, a candidate from Phakant Township Constituency-1 from the Kachin National Congress Party (KNC) complained Kachin-based parties face difficulty in funds and canvassing during the pandemic period. I want the Union Election Commission to release the exact and clear statements in time. We face many difficulties on the ground as the statements issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports, local government and the UEC are different.”
Ko Naw Khone, an in-charge of Youths Affairs from the Kachin State People’s Party (KSPP).
also complained about the lack of a level playing field saying “The ethnic parties have more difficulties and challenges than other parties. We are doing the canvassing in accordance with the rules and regulations. But some big parties are doing their canvassing with thousands of people. This is in violation of the health rules and regulations issued by the government.”
The fact that the person living outside the constituency for more than 90 days can cast their votes is also a challenge for ethnic parties. This regulation causes ethnic parties in Kachin State far more problems because there are thousands of migrant workers working in the jade mining exploration and road construction projects in Kachin State.
Ko Naw Khone from the KSPP is adamant that “the canvassing during the COVID period is unfair.
The chance of ethnic parties winning in the election has been reduced by so many difficulties and obstacles confronting us. The big parties are trying to get the votes from the constituencies with a lower population and harness the votes of people who have just arrived in the last two or three weeks to cast their votes. I don’t like the maneuvers of the ruling party and parties from the lowland region.”
There are 17 political parties in Kachin State which will compete in the election. Among them, the number of ethnic parties is around 10. Critics say some big parties are trying to take advantage of the fact that a person who lives in a place for only 90 days is still entitled to vote.
Ethnic-based parties consider his regulation favors the NLD party.
