The opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party's proposal urging the government to insert a rural electrification policy in the national electrification project (NEP) has been voted down in Lower House of Parliament.

The proposal was submitted by Lower House MP Thaung Aye from USDP. It called for the government to adopt a rural electrification policy as part of the NEP, which is being implemented, to ensure balanced development and increase electrification in rural areas as the rural people are fundamental in Myanmar.

However, the motion was defeated through voting at a parliamentary meeting of Lower House held in Nay Pyi Taw on December 12.

A total of 17 parliamentary representatives discussed the proposal, and Dr Tun Naing, deputy minister for electricity and energy remarked it should be kept on parliamentary record. As MP Thaung Aye called for parliamentary approval, voting took place and the proposal was voted down.

There were 150 votes for and 208 against the motion, with 41 missing.