Nan Than Than Lwin; National League for Democracy (NLD) Lower House candidate for Hpa-an Township Constituency No 2:
I received up to 80 percent of votes so guess I’m in a good position. I don’t believe I received these votes because I have talked a lot (during campaign rallies). Actually, based the preliminary results I didn’t expect it. At first I was a little worried, I thought the results wouldn’t amount to much more than average. It makes me happy to win 80 percent votes. If I become a representative, I have the spirit to work for the public and think it’s likely I will win.
Naw Lar Khu; Karen Democratic Party (KDP) Lower House candidate for Hpa-an Township Constituency No 2:
The ethnic parties are unlikely to win; it’s more likely they will lose. They will get support from their people but due to pressure from majority parties it’s unlikely they will truly rise up. What I mean is they (majority parties) have accused us receiving support from the ruling party (USDP) and taking votes leading up to the election. As far as I’ve heard my ranking (in this election) will be third place. The two majority parties (NLD and USDP) will take first and second. If they get 500 (votes), I will only get 100 (votes). But they won’t have the same altruistic nature towards our ethnic people as I do. No matter what parties win, I want to work for our ethnic people and state residents: it’s already been so long since we lost our rights.
Nan Say Awa; Phalon-Sawwaw Democratic Party Lower House candidate for Hpa-an Township Constituency No 2:
Even before running in this election, I have been prepared. The future of Karen State should be in the hands of our Karen people. As long we are unable to unite and form our own government, we will be far from determining the fate for Karen State. I won’t be sad if I lose to someone smarter than myself, this I can accept. We need to try (harder). When campaigning in the villages some ethnic Karen didn’t even know we were Karen. This is understandable; our people trust too easily and are easy to persuade. Some Karen are members of other parties. Ethnic Mon and Pa-O only joined with their own parties; the Karen have a long way to go. Although I didn't have a chance to submit our issues to Parliament, I will continue to work on them (in Karen state). Over the last five years during my time as a female MP, I have studied the efforts of women all around the world as much as possible. Winning or losing isn't only dependent on our efforts alone; it’s also related to the support we receive from our people.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
