U Tin Oo, a member of the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) in Kyah State has complained “It is wrong if the UEC bans the canvassing campaigns citing the spread of the virus(Covid-19). The virus problem is encountered by the whole globe. It is not the problem of Myanmar alone.  The UEC’s orders are one-sided. I am concerned about it.”

He asserted that “The period from September 8 to November 6 is the canvassing period. There is a code of conduct among the parties during this period. In addition, there are laws and bylaws issued by the commission. We will organize the canvassing campaigns during the said period,” he added.

According to a statement issued by the UEC on July 1, they are allowed to perform the parties ‘duties but public talks and meetings are not permitted because of the COVID-19 virus and danger of infection.

According to the law, the election commission shall allow the parties to do canvassing campaigns during 60 days before the Election Day. The UEC has not announced the day for the canvassing yet. U Tin Oo's comment means his party will do it in accord with the rights enshrined in the law despite COVID spread. The government has allowed gatherings limited of less than 30 people due to COVID-19.

 U Tin Oo, a member of the USDP’s Kayah State Committee said the USDP will carry out the canvassing campaigns for the election in accordance with the law issued by the Union Election Commission (UEC) and during the period designated by the Constitution.

According to a statement issued by the UEC on July 1, the above-mentioned persons are allowed to perform the parties’ duties including public gatherings of less than 30 persons.

U Tin Oo still criticizes the UEC claiming “The election commission is under the influence of the government as the officials are appointed by the incumbent government. During the time of the U Thein Sein presidency, a similar election commission was formed. If we compare the old and new election commissions, we can determine whether there is justice or not. I don’t believe in the current election commission.”

The USDP will compete in all 34 constituencies in seven townships of Kayah State in the upcoming election. The USDP secured seven out of 34 constituencies in the 2015 General Elections.

The opposition USDP’s major rivals in Kayah State are the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and Kayah State Democratic Party.