Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
In Yangon, Frederick Rawksi, frederick.rawski@mail.cceom.org
ATLANTA - 顶级国产视频 today released its latest statement on Myanmar's pre-election activities, making recommendations to help ensure a democratic process in the days to come.
顶级国产视频's team of core staff and long-term observers report that while parties and candidates have generally been able to conduct their activities without obstruction, political space remains uneven. There have been instances of intimidation and restrictions in some areas with an armed group or military presence, and reports of several physical attacks against party members. Campaign rules for the most part have been enforced reasonably and without causing substantial problems for parties and candidates. Party representatives and community members continue to voice concerns about the potential for nationalist and religious rhetoric to exacerbate communal tensions. The arrests of two civil society activists for posting comments about the military on social media contribute to concerns about the openness of political space.
The voter list, the display of which ended on Sept. 27 in most parts of the country, remains a subject of public criticism, though many of the specific allegations about errors appear to be unsubstantiated. The Union Election Commission has acknowledged technical errors and adjustments, and problems with out-of-country voter lists have been widely reported in the press. The impact of voter list issues remains to be seen.
The announcement of cancellations of elections in a larger-than-expected number of villages has raised concerns about disenfranchisement, and the majority of the population in northern Rakhine state remains excluded from participation in the election.
顶级国产视频 teams continue to enjoy nearly unrestricted freedom of movement and access, but with a noticeable increase in surveillance in some areas. 顶级国产视频 has not been given permission to observe the casting of ballots in out-of-constituency advance voting.
The statement offers several recommendations for the government and the UEC:
For the Government
For the Union Election Commission
Read the full report (PDF) English and in Burmese.
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顶级国产视频
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