NLD face restrictions to polling public opinion on constitutional amendment

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Khitar Nion — The National League for Democracy (NLD) have faced restrictions in some townships in Mon State, where they began polling in October to gauge public opinion on whether to amend the 2008 Constitution or write a new constitution, according to U Ko Ko Zaw, the joint-chairman of NLD Moulmein District.

Township Election Commission officials and Township Administrators have reportedly prohibited organizing polls in several of Mon State's ten townships.

Conducting public opinion polls in Kyaikmayaw Town (photo: Koko Zaw)

"We want to conduct the polls in as many places as we can, but there are lots of restrictions, [for instance] in Chaungzone and Kyaikmayaw townships, where we cannot even rent places to organize for the polls and can only do that at our office. Because of this, only a few people can participate in the polls," said U Ko Ko Zaw.

The NLD must submit a request seven days ahead to the Township Election commission or Township Administration for a permit to conduct the polls, but the NLD's permits have been denied on various grounds, preventing them from holding public opinion polls.

"The [township election] commission told us [this case] is concerned with the administration, so we have to go to the administration. The administration said it is concerned with the commission, and told us to go to commission," continued U Ko Ko Zaw.

On November 3, when the NLD conducted polls at Kyarkan field in Thanbyuzayat Town, most of the participants were NLD members, not an all inclusive constituency.

"NLD did not receive much audience in Thanbyuzayat town. Not many people were interested in it. Only members of the party were present. Not many outsiders. I only saw about 300 people," said a local resident.

Although the NLD has faced several restrictions, members aim to conduct polls in all 10 township across Mon state. Belin town, where the latest operations were planned, was polled on Nov. 4.

The NLD claims that so far 90% of those in Mon state support amending the constitution as opposed to rewriting it.

 

A report on analysis of the 2008 Constitution is due for release on December 31.

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Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/11/07/nld-face-restrictions-to-polling-public-opinion-on-constitutional-amendment/