An interview with Daw Nan Mya Oo, a candidate from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD)
Daw Nan Mya Oo is currently serving as a chair of the SNLD in Taunggyi Township Shan State.
She competed in No.1 Constituency in Taunggyi Township in Shan State in the 2015 General Election. But she did not win the seat. Now she has registered to run for a seat in Kayah State in the upcoming election. It is interesting that she has registered to contest in another state, while she is performing the party’s duties in Taunggyi of Shan State. The Shan Herald News Agency interviewed Daw Nan Mya Oo.
Q: Why did you decide to run for the seat in Kayah State, as a candidate from the SNLD?
A: Malsae Township in Kayah State where I will run for the seat in the upper house parliament has lagged behind in terms of politics and development. There are no locals who will run for the seat.
The SNLD party secured three seats for the upper house parliament in the 2015 General Election. However, all three seats were won by men. In Kayah State, there are just two female candidates including me for the 2020 General Election. That’s why I should compete in it.
Q: What are difficulties and challenges for you to compete in the election as a woman?
A: I have many difficulties. Even the deposit to enter the election is Ks 300,000. Some women find it very difficult to find Ks 300,000. As a woman, I find it difficult to do the canvassing in some places. I need companions to help me do campaigning. I will also have to support them and spend more money,
Unlike men, it is not easy for women to escape from the family’s duties for their involvement in politics. Women have to bear the heavy burdens of household and parenting chores. I would like to recount the words of the Secretary of SNLD about ethnic equality. It is not fair “if the ethnic people have to compete in the running race after they have suffered broken legs”. But the handicap for women is they are forced to compete in the election for equal rights while carrying their children on their backs.
Q: What is your top priority when you secure a seat?
A: The priority depends on the needs of my constituency as well as on the State. According to the situation in Kayah State, the border trade routes remain closed. I am not in a position to reopen these trade routes but I need to find out what are the obstacles to opening these trade routes. Communications in my constituency are very poor. View. The area has no easy access to a mobile phone line and wife. The Internet is not within the reach of the people. I have prioritized this issue.
Q: What is your major objective as a candidate?
A: I entered politics before 2015.Before that I have been engaged in a literature and culture association and social organizations[TF1] . But my work in this field was not so effective. When in the parliament I will have a chance to write and draft policy. I myself can get involved in the emergence of better laws for the public. I view the parliament as an effective vehicle for getting things done.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: What I would you like to add is that the female population in Myanmar is 2.2 per cent higher than the male population. I would like to urge the people to vote for the female candidates to represent the women and to implement the voices of women.
