The rules on canvassing for votes in the upcoming polls will be similar to the ones for the 2010 general election and the 2012 by-elections, said the Union Election Commission.
The draft rules have been circulated to solicit responses from political parties before coming into effect.
“The UEC is waiting for the reaction of political parties before issuing the directive on vote canvassing for the upcoming elections,” said Thaung Hlaing, director from the UEC, speaking to the Daily Eleven.
In the draft directive, the UEC has adjusted the canvassing period and 80 per cent of rules would remain unchanged from the general election and the previous by-elections.
For the past voting, the canvassing period was 45 days counting from the day following the release of candidacy names to the eve of balloting.
Under the draft, the period would be revised to 30 days. Political parties have been protesting the revision, however.
The parties are also opposing what they see as restrictions imposed on swaying votes. For example, one of the draft rules requires applying in advance for the UEC’s approval for canvassing.
Thaung Hlaing said the UEC would review the arguments from the political parties before finalising its decision on canvassing period.
Currently, the UEC is still waiting for their desires. It is aimed at ensuring that they are flexible about the new one. The UEC has distributed a draft directive for canvassing to the political parties. The majority of political parties are criticizing that the UEC’s draft directive includes many restrictions including the fact that the political parties are to apply to the UEC for the canvassing.
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