FILE PHOTO: A voter casts ballot at a polling station on Nov. 8, 2020, in Yangon, Myanmar. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said political parties and candidates must be able to campaign safely in the upcoming general election, and authorities will provide necessary protection. - AP
YANGON: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), said the upcoming multi-party general election must be successfully held, free from irregularities and conducted in a secure environment from the campaign period until voting day.
Speaking at a commission meeting on August 12, he emphasised that political parties and candidates must be able to campaign safely, and authorities will provide necessary protection. Measures will be taken to prevent fraud, with electronic voting machines introduced to ensure transparency.
The Senior General urged proper scrutiny of candidates’ qualifications, prevention of unlawful party recruitment and safe voting arrangements in all constituencies. Special provisions will be made for displaced voters to cast advance ballots so that no eligible citizen loses their right to vote.
He warned of possible attempts from domestic and foreign groups to disrupt the election and called for cooperation to expose and prosecute those committing election-related crimes, especially violence against government staff or civilians.
The commission, tasked with ensuring national security and stability, has also been restructured to coordinate with the Union Election Commission for the successful completion of the election.
Citing constitutional requirements, he noted that a sufficient number of parliamentary representatives must be elected to convene the legislature, form a government and carry out state duties. While no law requires a minimum voter turnout for the election to be valid, he said more than 50 per cent participation would reflect the will of the majority and enhance the election’s credibility. - Eleven Media/ANN
