Asia-Pacific

Myanmar to hold free and fair election: official

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-18 15:03

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar -- Chairman of the Myanmar Union Election Commission U Thein Soe said on Monday that the country will hold a free and fair multi-party general election set for November 7.

U Thein Soe made the remarks at the first ever press conference of the commission held in the new capital with the presence of foreign diplomats and newsmen.

He said the commission has made full preparations for the polls and people can freely cast votes.

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Foreign diplomats and United Nations officials stationed in Myanmar will be allowed to observe the polling process, he said, stressing that there is no need for the presence of other foreign observers.

According to U Thein Soe, there will be 3,071 parliamentary candidates, of whom 82 are individuals.

He added that there are over 1,000 parliamentary seats at different levels and 54 candidates do not require to contest in some townships where there is only one candidate registered for polling according to the election law.

A total of 37 political parties are to contest in the election, he disclosed.

According to the new constitution, the country adopts an executive system of president as head of state who is produced through parliamentary election.

The president is also chief of national defense and security commission in which commander-in-chief of the defense services is a member.

The constitution also designates that the union parliament comprises the house of representatives and the house of nationalities. The legislative power is shared by union parliament, region parliament and state parliament.

As part of election preparatory process, the commission is allowing the use of state-operated Myanmar Radio and Television ( MRTV) for contesting political parties for canvassing for votes with speech until October 31.

Myanmar government announced a seven-step roadmap in August 2003 which mainly include the reconvening of national convention, drafting of new state constitution, holding of national referendum on drafted constitution, sponsoring general election and formation of a new "civilian" government.