Ma Htoe Hmyar, Loikaw — Karenni State based candidates face funding challenges while running for office in their state, Burma's smallest, the candidates say.
“We can’t use much money. The roads and communications are terrible. The main problem is that we have to explain what the election is to the public,” said Naw Lu Dee from the All Nationalities Democracy Party (ANDP).
Candidates also complain that in addition to a lack of funds, they are also struggling against voter apathy and a general lack of understanding abut the political process in the their state.
Although local ethnic parties have been struggling with their limited campaign budget, not everyone running is having such trouble. Two government ministers running in Karenni State, Aung Min and Soe Than, have been able to sped a large amount on the election and therefore have an advantage in campaigning, according to the Kayah Unity Democracy Party (KUDP). Both minister Soe Thane and Aung Min have reportedly been giving out lavish gifts to voters including Skynet Satellite sets.
“We can’t do as much as them, but we do our best to explain our direction, aims, and goals in order for the public to understand. We tell them how we can have our people involved in government if we get a chance [to win] in this election,” he said.
As politics have been suppressed for many years, many in the public remain uncertain about who to pick in the coming election, says the KUDP's U Naing Naing Htwe.
“The biggest difficulty is the public’s lack of political awareness. As the eyes and ears of the public have been closed for many years, the public does not understand which candidate they should choose. They don’t know what duties are involved with politics and administration,” explained U Naing Naing Htwe.
Thus, ethnic parties face more difficulties in developing political resources in the region compared to other stronger parties. Independent candidates have also been facing many budget issues and other challenges.
“I have many difficulties. As I’m doing this all on my own, I have been [personally] attacked by some parties,” said U Hatsatan, an independent candidate running in Demoso Township Constituency No 2.
Similarly, the National Development Party also has budget issues and the party cannot afford to invite the candidates for campaign rallies on a limited budget, U Law Reh told BNI.
The Kayan National Party’s secretary U Nan Yi said his party have learned about local villagers difficulties while campaigning in rural area. This includes inaccurate voting list and a great distance to reacg polling stations.
Translated by Thida Linn with editing by BNI staff
