Burma opened up the possibility of significant political reform last week with the discussion of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system to replace the current winners-take-all voting set-up.
At a meeting of the Union Election Commission with political parties on April 8 several parties proposed the introduction of a PR system, where the number of seats won by a party is proportional to the number of votes received.
Burma leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks in parliament. Pic: AP.
A proposal has to be submitted to parliament and is subject to its approval, according to Tin Aye Chairman of the Union Election Commission.
At this stage it seems unlikely that a PR system will be in place by the 2015 general elections. For this to happen the proposed system would need to be approved by the end of 2013. In July 2012 Tin Aye said he would submit the proposal to parliament, but it has not happened yet.
The National Union Party and Unity and Peace party are among the parties that support the new system. Although it seems that most of ethnic minority parties are in favour of the PR system, some of them have said they are happy with the current system.
The National League for Democracy (NLD, Aung San Suu Kyi's party) and the Inn National Development Party defended the current system which they think most suitable for country for the time being. Some, such as the Rakhine National Development Party, said it is too early to introduce a new electoral system to country at very early stage of transition towards democracy.
A proportional representation electoral system for Burma (officially known as Myanmar) has its pros and cons. For smaller parties representing ethnic minorities, PR could give them a chance to become more involved in parliament. It would also acknowledge all the votes of the people. On the other hand, the new system might lead to even more political parties. More than 40 parties registered for 2010 general election and 50 parties showed up at recent "role of political parties in democratic transitions" seminar in February.
The active discussion on a new approach to electoral system can also be seen as a solution for military-backed ruling party Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which could lose its share of seats in parliament in 2015.
In addition, elections are relatively new for the Burmese public. Even the current system is unfamiliar to voters who did not get a chance to vote between 1990 – when the NLD won, but were denied power – and the first election of new the government in 2010.
If parliament approves new electoral system, the opposition NLD could stand to lose out as the election would no longer be a simple wo-horse race between the ruling party and the NLD.
This is unlikely to be an issue for the 2015 election, but it may very well be in 2020. The priority for 2015 needs to be a free and fair election where the people of Burma can choose their leaders.
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/04/16/burma-parties-divided-over-proportional-electoral-system-2/
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