UEC continues third-day meeting of electoral reforms with political parties

The Union Election Commission organized the third-day meeting of electoral system together with the political parties in Yangon yesterday.
During the meeting, one representative from each of six political parties read out the election design papers regarding the PR system based on the results of two sessions conducted on 24 and 25 December.
The paper of team (1) for Pyithu Hluttaw was read by U Tun Yi from National Unity Party. It stated that it should develop the Closed List PR.
In determining the constituencies of the Pyithu Hluttaw, it should be divided according to the number of representatives just like the previous numbers in regions and states and should not base on the population which may cause disputes.
Constituencies should be considered with equal numbers of population as much as possible when determining the constituencies based on the number of representatives received by regions and states.
For making threshold for parties, it should conduct for each constituency, use the Closed List PR and the political parties should cooperate to achieve better ways in electoral reforms.
Then, U Tin Swe from Democratic Party (Myanmar) presented the paper created by team (2) for Pyithu Hluttaw. He said all the parties attending the event agree the PR system for Pyithu Hluttaw election as well as the Closed List system and stipulation of Section 51 (d) of the Constitution. It should express the photo and name of the candidates under the name of party with vinyl or posters at the entrance to polling stations so that the voters can cast vote as they like.
The paper of team (3) was briefed by U Parsi Pyi Hein of People’s Party. It stated that the Closed List-PR system is the best way in holding the three Hluttaws in accordance with the 2008 Constitution. Currently, more than 100 countries adopt the PR system. Based on the districts to fix the constituencies is suitable size. The paper also included the formula to calculate the votes for the parties including independents.
Dr Myo Sett Thway of PPP read the paper of team (4) for Amyotha Hluttaw. The paper said they agree the PR system. It should use Closed List-PR System initially and when the education level of voters and political tide reaches to a certain extent, it should change into Open List-PR System or other PR system designs, and only the FPTP should be for self-administered division/zones. According to the different geographical locations, it should set 36 constituencies for Amyotha Hluttaw and the UEC should set proper laws or regulations to solve the impact of PR system as there would be plenty of parties.
Daw Nang Thaik Thaik Win Kyaw of Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party presented the paper of team 5 for Region/State Hluttaw. She said it should change into PR system with Closed List PR. For the constituencies of region/state Hluttaw, there should be one constituency for one district. However, if it is a densely populated district or township with a large number of townships, more than one constituency needs to be designated.
There also should be one constituency for regions/states with below 10 townships. It should use FPTP system in selecting the Hluttaw MP for ethnic constituency. It also highlighted the voting system with ID cards and other transparent vote counting system in the presence of parties and candidates and educating campaign regarding PR system.
U Khaw Teint of New Democracy Party (Kachin) read the paper of team (6) for Region/State Hluttaw. It should use Closed List-PR system and the Largest Remainder Formula in counting the votes for Region/State Hluttaw elections. One constituency should be for one township and two MPs should be elected with PR system and FPTP system should be for the candidates of ethnic affairs Hluttaw.
In his conclusion remarks, UEC Chairman U Thein Soe expressed words of thanks to the political parties for joining the discussions for electoral reforms. The election system and design play a key role in holding the election to form a government and legislate.
By demarcating constituencies widely and electing proportionate representatives in accordance with the will of the voters, the qualified MPs will be emerged and a more coordinated and politically stable multiparty democracy will be developed.
He also talked about the activities to be conducted with PR system within the boundary of 2008 Constitution, Closed List-PR system, stipulation of 2008 Constitution in choosing constituencies by the UEC, suggestions to express the photo and name of candidates at the entrance to polling stations, the change to PR system for FPTP system and cooperation work with UEC, political parties and entire people.
He pledged that the UEC will amend necessary laws depending on the discussions for changing to the PR system to be appropriate for the country. The UEC will work together with the political parties to elect the skilled MPs in coming election.
A total of 115 representatives of 62 political parties joined the event.—MNA