Political parties to cooperate to avoid ‘No Vote’ in upcoming election
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Phyo/ Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - May 20
U Tin Swe, the Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party, told The Statesman journal that political parties are planning to collaborate to encourage public interest in the upcoming election and to prevent a widespread "No Vote" outcome caused by threats from violent groups.
This point was also raised during the informal discussion among 32 political parties held on May 10 at the Yangon branch of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) headquarters.
Although the government and the Union Election Commission (UEC) are working to ensure a free and fair election, there are concerns that violent actions by armed groups could lead to a widespread "No Vote" outcome. As such, the discussion included a shared understanding that all parties should cooperate in public awareness campaigns - not as party-based electioneering, but as non-partisan voter engagement efforts - to emphasize how crucial each vote is for the country’s future.
“We’ve agreed on the need to work together for the election,” said U Tin Swe. “It’s about addressing the fear of a No Vote outcome and encouraging people to cast their ballots by emphasizing that elections are a vital part of the political process.”
He further explained that the collaboration among political parties could be seen as a way to help broaden the public’s political awareness.
“This is an emergency government right now,” said U Tin Swe. “According to Chapter 8 of the Constitution, during a state of emergency, individual citizens cannot claim their rights. So, to move beyond this, elections must be held. Once an election takes place, the military-led government (SAC) will no longer exist, and a civilian government will come into power. With a civilian government, freedoms like expression, writing, and peaceful assembly will naturally return.” He added that instead of boycotting the vote (No Vote), people should exercise their rights by voting for the party they support and not voting for the one they don’t, ensuring they don’t lose their democratic voice.
“The general consensus is that all parties will work together. The actual strategy how we’ll go about it will be implemented as the election draws closer,” he explained.