Union Election Commission
| ပြည်ထောင်စု ရွေးကောက်ပွဲ ကော်မရှင် | |
| Commission overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 8 March 2010 |
| Jurisdiction | Myanmar (Burma) |
| Headquarters | Naypyidaw |
| Commission executive |
|
| Website | uecmyanmar |
The Union Election Commission (Template:Lang-my, abbreviated UEC) is the national level electoral commission of Myanmar (Burma), responsible for organising and overseeing elections in Burma, as well as vetting parliamentary candidates and political parties.[1]
Origins
The Union Election Commission is mandated by the Union Election Commission Law, enacted on 8 March 2010.[2]
Members
The UEC's members are appointed by the government, and must meet the following qualifications:[3]
- 50 years of age or older
- a good public reputation, as determined by the government
- dignity, integrity and experience
- loyalty to the State and its citizens
- not affiliated to any political parties
- not hold any office or draw compensation as such
The UEC appointed by the State Peace and Development Council after 2010 election were:[1][4]
- Tin Aye (Chairman)
- Myint Naing (Member)
- Aung Myint (Member)
- Dr. Myint Kyi (Member)
- Win Kyi (Member)
- Nyunt Tin (Member)
- Win Ko (Member)
- Tin Tun (Secretary)
Following were appointed as additional members of Union Election Commission later.[5]
- N Zaw Naung
- Sai Kham Win
- Saw Ba Hlaing
- Ha Kee
- Dr. Mg Mg Kyi
- Sai Non Taung
- Sai Htun Thein and
- Dr. Sai San Win
Current members
The UEC's current members, appointed by the President Htin Kyaw on 30 March 2016.
- Hla Thein (Chairman)
- Aung Myint (Member)
- Soe Yae (Member)
- Tun Khin (Member)
- Hla Tint (Member)
List of chairperson
- Thein Soe (8 March 2010 - 30 March 2011)
- Tin Aye (30 March 2011 - 30 March 2016)
- Hla Thein (30 March 2016 – present)
Controversy
The UEC has been criticised for its powers to abolish elections in conflict areas.[6] The UEC's first chairman was Thein Soe, a former major-general, an appointment that was derided by media.[7] On 18 February 2011, Tin Aye, a former lieutenant-general and member of the State Peace and Development Council, was appointed by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, to replace Thein Soe.[8]
It has also been criticised by various advocacy groups and the United Nations for its lack of independence and impartiality, in its handling of recent elections.[9] The UN has also noted the UEC's failure to follow up on electoral complaints, including voting procedures.[10]
See also
- http://uecmyanmar.org/ (Official Webpage)
References
- ^ a b "Election Commission". Mizzima Election 2010. Mizzima. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Situation of human rights in Myanmar" (PDF). Report of the Secretary-General. United Nations General Assembly. 14 September 2010.
- ^ "Union Election Commission Law" (PDF). New Light of Myanmar. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Profiles of Union Election Commission Members". Burma Election 2010. The Irrawaddy. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Union Election Commission". www.uecmyanmar.org. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
- ^ "Myanmar junta to hand-pick election body". AFP. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Burma laws condemned as a 'mockery' of democracy". Angola Press. 11 March 2010.
- ^ Shwe Yinn Mar Oo (21 February 2011). "Former MP to lead commission". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Burma's by-elections: still short of international standards". Alternative Asean Network on Burma. 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- ^ "Situation of human rights in Myanmar". Sixty-sixth session Third Committee: United Nations General Assembly. 28 October 2011.
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