United Nationalities Democracy Party (UNDP) general secretary Naw Ohn Hla has condemned the Union Election Commission for obstructing ethnic rights as it decided not to hold elections in some constituencies of some ethnic areas. 

She wrote a post on her Facebook page on October 21 saying that the UEC’s announcement to ban elections in some constituencies of six states and regions including Rakhine and Shan states is totally unacceptable as ethnic parties canvass for votes there.  

“They lost in some constituencies in the 2015 election. For example, the ruling National League for Democracy did not win in Rakhine and Shan states. At a time when the ethnic parties are getting their indigenous people to vote for them, such an act is unacceptable. I think the ruling party may lose in these areas,” Naw Ohn Hla said.

She took the view that those constituencies should have been suspended instead of being abolished. 

“As far as I am concerned, I denounce the UEC’s announcement. I want to say that it is a shame on the commission because it has abolished those constituencies with intent to breach the ethnic rights. 

UNDP is a political party mainly formed with former lower house MPs in 1990, Naw Ohn Hla and some ex-NLD members like David Hla Myint. It is fielding 33 candidates to run for the 2020 election to be held on November 8.

“They should have not done so if they want to ensure a free and fair election. Ethnic people wishing to run for election in an honest manner must be given the right to compete,” Naw Ohn Hla added. 

She said it is unfair to hold elections in conflict areas like Paletwa Township of Chin State whereas other ethnic areas are not allowed. 

“I don’t know why Shwekyin Township in Bago Region is not allowed to hold the election. It is mostly inhabited by Kayin people. There is no fighting. Kyaukgyi is also a non-conflict area. This is unfair,” she said. 

Political activist Naw Ohn Hla is a UNDP candidate who will be contesting a Kayin ethnic constituency in Yangon Region. 

The UEC announced on October 16 that elections will not take place in nine townships in Rakhine State and six townships in Shan State citing the impossibility to hold a free and fair election as the reason. 

The announcement also says elections will not take place in over 550 wards and village-tracts of four townships in Rakhine State, 17 townships in Shan State, six townships in Kayin State, two townships in Bago Region, 11 townships in Kachin State and one township in Mon State.