The opposition parties are allowed to do canvassing for the first time in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in Shan State.

On October 8, the Union Pa-O National Organization (UPNO) did its canvassing in a motorcade. It is found that the political and democratic views of locals have changed, said Khun Thawmat, a lower house candidate from Hopone Township.

“I have a plan to implement the project that enables Hopone Township to become a traditional culture and nature-based tourism area if I secure the seat,” he added.

Pa-O Self-Administered Zone is formed with Hopone, Hsihsaing and Pinlaung Townships in Shan State. The UPNO is stationed in the zone. In the previous election, the opposition parties were not allowed to do canvassing in the zone.

The People’s Party faced a ban on the erection of its election signboard in the zone in late September. But Saw Khun Kyaw Win, a CEC member of the PNO denied any suggestion that the PNO was responsible.

During the election campaign, the candidates from the Union Pa-O National Organization have promised that they would do research on education, health, social and economy which are the major requirements for candidates if they are to win seats in the 2020 General Election.

Khun Ye Thway, a candidate who will run for the lower house constituency-2 in Taunggyi representing the UPNO said: “The main point is we are young people. I know the needs of the people on the ground as I am involved in social organization. I believe that the public will vote for me.”

A total of 17 candidates from the party will compete in seven townships in southern Shan State in the upcoming election. The party did not secure any seats in the 2015 General Election.

According to the 2008 Constitution, there are six self-administered zones and regions in Myanmar—Danu Self-Administered Zone, Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, Kokang Self-Administered Zone, Palaung Self-Administered Zone, Wa Self-Administered Division in  Shan State and Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region.