Errors in voter lists must be solved by law, not by a coup

February 1, 2021

HURFOM: On January 29, 2021, the People’s Alliance for Credible Elections (PACE) and 11 other election monitoring groups announced the Myanmar 2020 election results were credible, and reflected the will of the majority voters.

The groups acknowledged there are shortcomings in the electoral legal framework, and they did find some inconsistencies in election administration, as well as weaknesses in implementation due to the pandemic. However, these findings do not rule out the credibility of the election results.

On January 26, the Tatmadaw claimed they found 8.6 millions errors in voter lists in 300 townships which could have led to electoral fraud. However, they have not provided evidence of this claim. They are demanding the Union Election Commission release the voter lists.

Media outlets have reported that Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, said the Tatmadaw refused to rule out a coup.

“Yes, there were [some] errors in the voter lists. But to commit voter fraud on the election day was nearly impossible. There were representatives from the political parties and also lots of people [monitoring]. But, [it is possible some] electoral fraud could happen in some constituencies,” said U Maung Maung Zaw Tun, Chair of the Mon State Common Space group, which had 28 staff monitoring the election processes in Mon State.

Recent statements by the Tatmadaw have led some political leaders to caution against the possibility of a military-led coup.

“There were electoral disputes in some places. We also have objected to [some outcomes involving the NLD]. Electoral fraud should be solved by electoral laws. No one should push the country into the political crisis due to some controversial [allegations of] voter fraud,” said Nai Layi Tama, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson for the Mon Unity Party (MUP).

The 2008 Constitution enables the Union Election Commission (UEC) to serve as the arbiter in election disputes. The Tatmadaw is pressuring the UEC to respond to their accusations.

“Now, we have to go with the 2008 constitution … If anyone wants to [act] beyond the [scope of the ] constitution, it’s a wrong action,” commented U Maung Maung Zaw Tun.

Some political analysts are urging leaders to have a dialogue about election disputes.

“The UEC should investigate [claims of] electoral fraud and at the same time, the leaders from (the NLD and the Tatmadaw) should have a dialogue to [seek] a solution. Now there is growing distance between these two sides, and it isn’t good,” advised Nai Layi Tama.

On January 29, the Diplomatic Mission in Myanmar released a statement urging the military, and all other parties in the country, to adhere to democratic norms, and to oppose any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News