The spreads of hate speeches and fake news on the social media in the coming election may have negative impacts not only on female candidates but also on the election, Hla Thein, chair of the Union Election Commission, said at a workshop on the fight against fabricated news and hate speeches targeting female candidates in the 2020 Election, at Grand Amara Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on December 19. 

“The means that prevent the attacks on female candidates with hate speeches and fake news, should cover educative program, knowledge dissemination and organizing. Now, Myanmar sees a rapidly growing number of social media users. The UEC is working on the prevention against the spreads of fake news and hate speeches, with the Ministry of Information, Myanmar Media Council and Facebook team. In addition, The UEC formed the information team to let the public know about true news on the election. The UEC Office releases weekly news,” he added.

The equality of all human beings which is a fundamental principle is a top priority in the democratic society. Competition and voting in the election is a human right all human beings shall equally enjoy. In the 2010 general election, 127 out of 3,069 candidates were female. In the 2015 General Election, 800 out of 6,038 candidates were female, he continued. 

It is assumed that the number of females who participate in politics is relatively low, compared with the country’s total population. More female participation is expected in the upcoming 2020 General Election. The UEC is making efforts to ensure more female participation in politics and the holding of elections meeting the democratic norms. At a time when the 2020 General Election is drawing near, efforts should be made to prevent the attacks on female candidates and equal gender participation. The UEC is implementing the Gender Equality and Women Sector Promotion Policy (2019-2020).  

The workshop was jointly held by the UEC and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).