CEO shares Myanmar poll experiences
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 06 2012: State's Chief Electoral officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga, who was one of two indian observers at the recently held parliamentary by-elections in Myanmar, recalled that counting was conducted immediately after the franchise at polling stations concerned.

Also informing that no armed security personnel were deployed or could be spotted at the polling stations, the CEO told some newspersons yesterday the Myanmar poll was held in the presence of 85 observers from around the world.

While most of the observers preferred to monitor the electoral process at the National League for Democracy leader Aung Sun Su Kyi's constituency, Lawmkunga said he opted for Mandalay where the election was held at 18 polling stations.

Further pointing out that none of the international observers were allowed to enter the polling stations, he described the voting as one of the most peaceful events while adding that no complaint was received by the observers.

Citing absence of ink-marking on the voter's finger as a notable change compared to electoral practice here, the cEO also noted women making up 50 percent of the polling personnel as another glaring difference.

He further informed that transparent ballot boxes made of plastic were used to cast votes by Myanmar citizens who have attained 18 years of age.

Even though no formal complaints about electoral malpractice had been lodged to any of the international observers NLD leader Su Kyi alleged voting in the name of deceased persons during a post-poll press conference, said the CEO who also described the Myanmar electorates as simple and forgiving.

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