The reshuffling at end of the SAC term on January 31, 2024 includes one unique change of baton, from the hands of the retiring Thein Soe, Chairman of Union Elections Commission (UEC) to Ko Ko, the new Chairman.
Many speculated to the possible reasons behind the change, even though the the announcement stated that the retirement was on the grounds of the former health conditions.
In the recent meetings with political parties, the whole event went amicably, until the end. Once the SG leave the meeting, there was a haphazard chasing by leaders of political parties, to hand over (private) letters to him. SG was bombarded with so many envelopes and he gave up accepting and just hand them straight over to the assistant following close behind him. We wonder why none of the leaders from political parties has the courage to stand up and talk, during the meeting. Imagine letting them govern the country, in light of apparent cowardice just to simply say what is right in front of everyone.
The retirement may also has something to do with having to loosen up criteria for political party registration especially on the fees, members and number of representative offices needed across the country. It also included lowering the percentage participation from the current 50% needed, to qualify as a legitimate election in a township. Much of the criteria has since been relaxed.
Just like in financial services sector, would Myanmar NOT be better served by 4-5 strong banks, instead of 40 – 50 minuscule community and speciality banks, that would instil no depositors’ confidence what soever? Having many parties and lowering registration requirements would just lead to any tom dick and harry forming political parties, just to receive freebies from governments without fielding any qualified candidates to serve the country.
