The first regular session of the third Chin State parliament is scheduled to take place on February 9th. At the session the formation of a new Chin State government will be carried out. Under the Constitution, the President shall directly appoint the Chief Ministers of regions and states. The BNI asked the heads of the CSOs in Chin State about their hopes for the new government.

Lian Tuang (Director CNRWG)

As a matter of fact, the people’s expectations were very high for the NLD government which took office after the USDP government. However what the government has done, runs counter to the people’s expectations. I am not satisfied with it. I want the new government to have less corruption in Chin State, and to rebuild the checks and balance system between the parliament and the government. I think the government should deal with the unbalanced allocation of the budget.

Salai Terah (Field Director- CHRO)

I want the new government to prioritize those who will respect human rights and really serve the interest of the people. The ethnic minorities should not be left out if the government wants to build national reconciliation. In addition, the armed groups (EAOs) should not be left out. The government should listen to the voices of EAOs and ethnic parties. The main point is to respect the voices of the people.

G S Mang, in-charge Community Peace and Development Initiatives Group

I am not fully satisfied with the Chin State government in the last five years. I think the Chin State government only prioritizes the regional development and infrastructure development. Our Chin ethnic people are the ones who established the union. I assume that this role has disappeared. I want the inclusion of qualified ethnic people in the running of the Chin State. I want to see active participation of women and youth graduates in the government body.

Win Yu Tun (Manager - Ethno Trail Culture & Tourism Co. Ltd)

I have many expectations about the new government. I expect the NLD-led government can do better after reviewing the lessons learned, and the advantages and disadvantages. I want the inclusion of youth who can actively work in the new government. I don’t like the ones who are sitting doing nothing in the parliament and the government. The worst situation in Chin State is corruption. According to my knowledge, a person has to pay bribes equivalent to more than one-year’s salary to get a job, even though his or her monthly salary is Ks-around 200,000. I don’t know why the Chin State government is unable to deal with this problem.