Karenni Thu
Parliamentarians from different parties made promises to the people during the election campaign. Here is an excerpt from an interview with Kantarawaddy Times: What will you do as a candidate outside parliament even if you did not win the election?
U Richard: Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
We can’t foresee regarding to the politics. Even if I didn’t win, I have an idea to do for community development affair. Just like I said a moment ago. No matter who won in election, I will cooporate with them for community development where I can; especially the struggle to access the water for communities..
Daw Su Su Aye – National Democratic Force (NDF)
As for me, so far I am the only one working in social relief activity in Phruso Township. If I do not win, I would do this job until I die. I think this will be stronger if I win in election. I think the (women) candidates will be at least 30% to 45% because there are many female candidates I noticed. If I won, I would have done more for the rights of women and children. Because I am a woman in the community, not an NGO, I am mainly working on the women’s sector. I always involve in child rape and domestic violence.
Daw Kataru – Individual
I have always been involved in community affairs. The effect of my candidacy on parliament is how the people beat (blaim) me and how they see on me. Then it sometimes comes in my thought that it is enough for me, and I will not do politics anymore, but sometimes I think back to my life as a human being, it is not just for myself, but for the public to live as long as I can. I will only do what is useful. I am completely determined to continue to do what is good for my community, and not for the detriment of my community.
U Mar Tho – National Unity Party (NUP)
We have to do our best for the benefit of the people rather than politics. We will have to support where we can. We will personally urge and guide the government to fill the gaps in the community. It’s up to them (govt) whether they do it or not. But they have the right to do it. Yet, I am ready for the people.
U Sai Lin Lin Oo – National League for Democracy (NLD)
There are unresolved land issues in Bawlakhae Township. There are land disputes. I will keep doing that. During the election campaign, although the local present them about the land issue, the USDP responded they could not do it. I gave my word during our campaign that I would do it if I won. I made a promise. But I lost. Even if we lost, we will help from outside the parliament.
Khun Bi Htoo – Kayan National Party (KNP)
Our results show that we lost. In particular, we lost according to the election results. But our strength, unification, and efforts are stronger than previous condition of our party. So, as many people think, there is not enough politics with just the armed forces. So do as with civil society. The participation of the people in the political party has increased because of the movement that we have to push and cooperate with the political party. I totally agree with that. The biggest part of the movement, especially for political parties, is the 1990 elections. Compared to 2010, our history is not that weak. I thank the people for this. But we need to continue to work together, not to grieve over this loss. We need to reconsider and move forward in terms of seeing the rights of an ethnic group.
