Tatmadaw has criticized that there are reports of weaknesses and deficiencies which were never experienced in the previous elections now, according to the statement by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief on November 2. 

Tatmadaw charged the UEC with allowing widespread violation of the laws and procedures of the pre-voting process and lack of efficient preparations of ballot-boxes, inaccurate voting lists and advance voting.

 

However, all these criticisms of the UEC may have been triggered by the Elections Commission filing a complaint over the Burmese military’s flagrant violations of the Election Law by publishing in a pro-army newspaper the Myawaddy advice and criteria on which candidates to vote for. 

The Burmese armed forces chief has urged voters to choose:

Candidates with a sense of rule of law and understanding the national leadership of Myanmar’s military. And can protect race and religion, and not under foreign influence”.

 

This is tantamount to the military canvassing for the army-aligned USDP party, although the Tatmadaw is supposed to stay independent of politics. 

 

The UEC filed a complaint to the Myanmar Press Council about the constant repeat publication of this military advice, saying the quotes in the Myawady Daily violated election laws.

 

Although the Union Election Commission is an independent body, it was formed by the President. As the commission is formed under Sub-section (A) of Section (398) of the Constitution, Sub-section (E) of Section (9) of the Union Government Law and Section (3) of the Union Election Commission Law, the Union Government is responsible for the commission and the commission is accountable for the government.