In the first democratic election in Burma in 20 years, local observers in Ye Township, southern Burma, say several voters went to polling stations to vote ...
Ye -- In the first democratic election in Burma in 20 years, local observers in Ye Township, southern Burma, say several voters went to polling stations to vote for the All Mon Region Democracy Party, (AMDP).
Voter turnout in Durae, a former stronghold area of the NMSP, was strong. “We were all volunteering and doing our best on Election Day. About 2000 voters came out to vote and the results are very good for the Mon party,” said Nai Lun a community leader of Durae (Duya), Ye Township.
Many showed their joy and pride at being able to choose their community leaders. “It was a rare chance to show our pride so we supported the Mon. The election was free and fair at the local level in Durae. The AMDP gained over (75%), from 1500 of 2000 votes and only about 50 votes were for the USDP and NUP,” said Chan Mon, a young volunteer for the Mon party.
Another villager from Zee Phyu Thaung, a community made up of diverse ethnic groups of Burmese, Tavoyans and Mon, voted for the MDP according to another local source.
However, even though the local community believes that the AMDP won a majority in the local polling stations, many fear that the SPDC may change the results.
AMDP candidates in Ye are Nai Myint Swe (Col. Lawee Ong), Dr. Banya Aung Moe and Ms. Mi Myint Myint Than.
“I voted for the Mon even though I am a Burmese because they are from my community and I trust their leadership. We have been under this government for too long and we don’t like them (USDP), this is why I voted for the Mon,” said a local resident in Ye Myo-Thit.
The All Mon Region Democracy Party released a set of partisan songs in the hope of winning over a few Mon constituents in the General Election. The AMDP formerly known as AMRDP contested in Paung, Kyikemaraw, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, Ye, Moulmien, Chaung Sone Kokkareik and Yephyu Townships in southern Burma.
The Mon Party is led by Nai Ngwe Thein, Dr. Min Hla Aung, Nai Saik, Nai Myint Swe, Nai San Tin, Dr. Min Nwe Soe and Dr. Banya Aung Moe. The Union Election Commission (UEC) officially allowed it to form a political party on May 24, 2010.
The AMDP faces obstacle from both sides to win the election because Mon National Democratic Front and the New Mon State Party, the two main political Mon parties, strongly oppose the General Election and the SPDC set strong restriction during their campaign.
