Union Election Commission

The Union Election Commission (Burmese: ပြည်ထောင်စု ရွေးကောက်ပွဲ ကော်မရှင်, abbreviated UEC) is the national level electoral commission of Myanmar (Burma), responsible for organising and overseeing elections in Burma, as well as vetting parliamentary candidates and political parties.^[1]

Origins

The Union Election Commission is mandated by the Union Election Commission Law, enacted on 8 March 2010.^[2]

Members

The UEC's members are appointed by the government, and must meet the following qualifications:^[3]

• 50 years of age or older
• a good public reputation, as determined by the government
• dignity, integrity and experience
• loyalty to the State and its citizens
• not affiliated to any political parties
• not hold any office or draw compensation as such

The UEC appointed by the State Peace and Development Council after 2010 election were:^[1][4]

1. Tin Aye (Chairman)
2. Myint Naing (Member)
3. Aung Myint (Member)
4. Dr. Myint Kyi (Member)
5. Win Kyi (Member)
6. Nyunt Tin (Member)
7. Win Ko (Member)
8. Tin Tun (Secretary)

Following were appointed as additional members of Union Election Commission later.^[5]

1. N Zaw Naung
2. Sai Kham Win
3. Saw Ba Hlaing
4. Ha Kee
5. Dr. Mg Mg Kyi
6. Sai Non Taung
7. Sai Htun Thein and
8. Dr. Sai San Win

Current members

The UEC's current members, appointed by the President Htin Kyaw on 30 March 2016.

1. Hla Thein (Chairman)
2. Aung Myint (Member)
3. Soe Yae (Member)
4. Tun Khin (Member)
5. Hla Tint (Member)

List of chairperson

1. Thein Soe (8 March 2010 - 30 March 2011)
2. Tin Aye (30 March 2011 - 30 March 2016)
3. Hla Thein (30 March 2016 – present)

Controversy

The UEC has been criticised for its powers to abolish elections in conflict areas.^[6] The UEC's first chairman was Thein Soe, a former major-general, an appointment that was derided by media.^[7] On 18 February 2011, Tin Aye, a former lieutenant-general and member of the State Peace and Development Council, was appointed by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, to replace Thein Soe.^[8]

It has also been criticised by various advocacy groups and the United Nations for its lack of independence and impartiality, in its handling of recent elections.^[9] The UN has also noted the UEC's failure to follow up on electoral complaints, including voting procedures.^[10]

See also

• http://uecmyanmar.org/ (Official Webpage)

References

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