Obstacles and restrictions in Aung San Suu Kyi's election campaign
Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Despite recent government claims that the election would be free and fair, the National League for Democracy (NLD) continues to face an uphill battle as its candidates and leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, are denied the right to hold rallies in public spaces. By-elections are scheduled for 1 April to fill 48 vacancies in parliament.
In recent weeks, the NLD has complained that it is being denied public places to hold its rallies. Aung San Suu Kyi decried the restrictions, including the refusal to allow her to sports fields and stadiums. The government responded by pledging changes and equality for all candidates.
She plans to deliver speeches on 6 March in Dekkhina Thiri, Ottara Thiri, Zabu Thiri and Pobba Thiri townships in Naypyitaw, but was denied permission in two of the townships, said NLD campaign secretary Nyan Win. "We've applied for the permits again. We only want a fair competition," he added.
The NLD also failed to get permission for Zay Yar Thaw, a popular singer who is standing for the NLD in the Pobba Thiri Township by-election; the same for NLD candidate Sandar Min who is running in Zabu Thiri Township. Suu Kyi wants to speak in both townships to support the NLD candidates, if permission is granted.
At the same time, the opposition is required to inform the election commission of the movements of all its people.
In addition to this, the NLD said it is the victim of a boycott and that its symbols are being vandalised. In the capital, two NLD signboards were reportedly destroyed.
Pro-government papers have started to attack Aung San Suu Kyi personally. Undaunted, the opposition leader continues her relentless campaign. Yesterday, she was in Shan state where she spoke in Kalaw, Aung-Ban e Heho.
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17/03/2021 13:08
02/07/2020 09:59
