Sa Eh Sue — Election observation groups in Karen State can’t publically report pre-election incidents; they are only allowed to document them. This can be frustrating if they witness to discrepancies during electoral proceedings.
Naw Elizabeth said: “According to the election by-law, we can observe but don’t have the right to expose which candidates have failed to follow campaign rules. We can’t reveal any information about mistakes on voter list and other things that have gone wrong related to the election. We can only make notes about such matters.”
The BNI Election Newsroom tried to contact the Karen Election Commission several times for its opinion on this matter but all queries have been unanswered.
According to election regulations, observers aren’t allowed to affect voting, ballot counting and release ballot results. They are allowed to release their findings within sixty days by only after the election, but first after submitting a report to the Election Commission.
Nine civil society organizations are observing election proceedings in Karen State.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
