Ethnic Kayin people in some areas of Ayeyawady Region are losing their voting right to elect their ethnic representative, say local sources. 

Regional parliamentary candidate Myo Thet Oo for the Yaygyi Township Constituency No (1) claimed he thinks that the village election sub-commissions failed to submit the voter lists blaming them for their weaknesses.    

“We were contacted by local party leaders and local residents. They are Kayin people, holding national registration cards in which their race and religion are described as Kayin/Buddhist. They told us they are losing their voting right. When they tried to cast advanced ballots, they found out they were not on the voter lists. When we asked the sub-commission, they were not on the list. While some Kayin ethnics have the chance to vote while some are losing them. There are about 120 people who could not vote. So we sent a letter to the sub-commission concerned so that Kayin nationals do not lose their voting right,” he said.  

The chairman of Kayin People’s Party in Ayeyawady Region also called on authorities concerned to ensure ethnic minorities do not lose their voting rights. 

“For Kayin ethnics as an example, I want to say that they should also be on voter lists. Kayin will decide their own fate. This is why I want to urge Kayin people to elect Kayin for their ethnic affairs. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, some areas are difficult to access. A survey is needed to know how many Kayin people live. But we cannot go down to faraway areas,” he said.