UEC defends errors on draft voter lists

Originally appeared in DVB

Draft voter lists recently published across several townships last week were expected to contain inaccuracies, Burma’s Union Election Commission (UEC) has said in response to criticism from opposition party the National League for Democracy (NLD).

The NLD last week highlighted discrepancies in the voter lists released by the UEC on 25 May for 14 townships in Rangoon, and eight in Naypyidaw. Reported errors included duplications, wrong birthdates, and names of deceased residents appearing on the lists.

UEC official Myint Naing told DVB that these electoral lists were drafts, and that errors were to be expected.

“These are basic voter lists based on householder registration. Our intention is to allow the voters to identify duplications and other discrepancies on the lists,” said Myint Naing.

“If a voter’s name did not appear in the draft list they can submit a Form 3 to the commission to have their name included, or submit a Form 4 to correct errors, or a Form 4(c) for remonstration,” he said.

Myit Naing said he urged voters across the country to inform the election commission of any errors and irregularities found within the draft voter lists.

NLD lower house MP and campaign committee member Mahn Johnny told DVB: “The UEC repeatedly publishes erroneous voter lists, and despite knowing this they refuse to admit their mistake or investigate the issue at the ground level.”

In his monthly radio address to the public on 2 June, President Thein Sein said that voter lists for the 2015 general election are to be based on the 2014 nationwide census, results of which were announced on 29 May.

Thein Sein also said that the UEC is working to ensure free and fair elections through the creation of accurate voter lists, the transparent application of election laws, regulations and procedures.

The president told listeners that election results will be transparently and accurately reported, and that international observers will be allowed to monitor the elections in accordance with Burmese law.

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