Myanmar election fears could mar post-poll politics

Subject

Myanmar election administration concerns.

Significance

Myanmar's political parties and independent candidates are campaigning for November 8 elections, after the formal campaign began on September 8. In total, 6,065 candidates successfully applied to the Union Election Commission (UEC) for permission to contest 1,171 seats open at the national, regional and state levels, excluding the military's 25% reservation of all legislative seats. However, there are growing concerns over the election's conduct and the implications for post-poll politics.

Impacts

• If ethnic minorities feel marginalised electorally, this could hinder reaching ceasefires with Shan-based ethnic armed groups.
• Development of an independent, effective electoral apparatus will occur incrementally.
• Challenges of constituency results after the election are probable.