In favour
"I first learned about PR theory 50 years ago when I visited Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark. I liked that system at the time and since we have met with many representatives of western nations who have told us it works very well. We believe it is also very workable in our country."
U Thu Wai, Chairman, Democratic Party
"Small and medium size parties have to find representation and create mutual understanding and national unity through discussion in parliament. We don't want a one party rule that could lead to a hegemonic style of governance. Change is delicate and if one party gets a landslide, then no one can expect democratic change to be reached soon. If the USDP have a landslide then things may slow down, if the NLD achieve a landslide then there may be political instability. We are in favour of proportional representation to deliver democratic stability."
U Khin Maung Shwe, Chairman, NDF
"Given Myanmar's capacity issues and the scale of the reform effort, both the parliament and government would benefit from the greater plurality that electoral reform is likely to bring."
Thomas Kean, Editor, Myanmar Times
"The USDP is studying the possibility of implementing proportional representation in the Myanmar way. We haven't decided yet which type of proportional representation suits our country best."
Dr. Soe Yin, Phyithu Hluttaw representative, USDP
The Middle Ground
"The majority of people assume that a PR system gives more space for ethnic parties and minority parties. It is crucial to discuss whether it is suitable or not based on the time and circumstance. In that regard, we need to take account of the extent of our democratic maturity, financial ability and ethnic affairs."
Major Win Thein, Amyotha Hluttaw army representative, in Daily Eleven
Against
"We should not change the election system to benefit the interests of one party."
David Hla Myint, NLD Hluttaw representative from 1990 election, Ngaputaw Township.
"They [the USDP] are trying to change the system for their self-interest alone and not in the interests of the country…before preposing a new electoral system they should have held negotiations."
U Aung Kyi Nyunt, NLD MP for Magway in Amyotha Hluttaw
"Myanmar's political situation is contaminated and has been this way since our country achieved independence. We need to show future generations what clean politics is all about."
Dr. Aye Maung, Amyotha Hluttaw representative, Rakhine Nationalities Party
"We don't accept the proportional representation voting system because it is quite complex and we, the ethnic people, have limited knowledge about it. Perhaps PR is acceptable after 2020. If the want to implement it, they should just do it in the main cities."
Sao Than Myint, Vice President, Federal Union Party
This Article first appeared in the July 3, 2014 edition of Mizzima Business Weekly.
Mizzima Business Weekly is available in print in Yangon through Innwa Bookstore and through online subscription at www.mzineplus.com
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/the-debate/
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