Salai Kyaw Moe — Of all the states and regions in Burma, Chin State had the highest voter turnout as a percentage during the November 2015 Election, according to figures released by the Chin State Election Commission.
Chin State had 273,673 eligible voters in the 2015 Election and 79.29 percent of these voters voted in the election. The District Commission Officer said the ratio of valid votes in Chin State, which often described as the poorest state in the country, was nearly equal to that of Rangoon Region.
“Chin State ranks first in all of Burma when the number of eligible voters and the number of voters were calculated” said U Myo Min, the district commission officer.
“The Commission worked independently. We were not under anyone. If it was against the law, we didn’t follow anyone’s instructions. We worked in line with the law,” he added.
Salai Tin Ro Yar, project manager from a group called Chin Agency says his organization help boost the voter turnout. “The Chin Agency has given trainings on public awareness and democratic principles in seven townships in Chin State. In the past, the public felt reluctant and afraid to vote and go to the polling station. When we gave our training, we first made them understand the value of each vote. Then, we demonstrated how to vote and avoid casting invalid votes so it was quite effective,” Salai Tin Ro Yar said.
In the run up to the election Chin State had five voter education groups operating in the state. Smaller groups led by young people in their respective townships visited each house to give voter education.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide in Chin State capturing most of these seats from the state. The Zomi Congress for Democracy (ZCD) won five seats while the Union Solidarity and Development Party won four seats.
