CNI News
27 Dec 2022
Whether the Proportional Representation system is conducive to formation of a coalition government is a matter of intense debate among political observers.
The Union Election Commission announced that the general election would be held under the PR system.
Adoption of the PR system does not necessarily mean that a coalition government will be formed but it encourages the formation of a coalition government, Chairman U Thar Tun Hla of the Arakan National Party told the CNI.
Flags of the Union Solidarity and Development Party. (GETTY IMAGES)
He said, "In theory, the PR system encourages the formation of a coalition government. I am generally talking about the electoral system and does not refer to the political situation in Myanmar. I am just talking about a general theory."
If elections are held under the PR system, there are prospects for the formation of a coalition government, Chairman U Sein Win of the National United Democratic Party told the CNI.
He said, "In my opinion, there are prospects for the formation of a coalition government. However, it is difficult to say whether it will happen or not. The 2023 general election must be held because we love our country and will not allow the country we love to collapse. If we do not like the government that emerges, we will settle the issues with it later. We are not happy with the causes that will lead to the collapse of the country, especially those related to foreign interference."
Any electoral system is beneficial to ethnic groups with large populations, Kachin Politician U Kwan Gaung Aung Kham told the CNI.
Flags of the National League for Democracy. (GETTY IMAGES)
He said, "Both the PR system and the First-past-the-post system favour ethnic groups with large populations. Neither is beneficial to small ethnic groups. It is difficult to predict how the people, the international community and political parties will respond to the elections held by the SAC."
In 2010, 2015 and 2020, general elections were held under the FPTP.
He is trying to form a united national government represented by all ethnic group after the upcoming elections, Chairman Dr Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party told the CNI.
He said, "The people prefer a united national government represented by all ethnic groups to a winning political party that forms a new government to implement its own policies. And elections will be held under the PR system. It is a development."
The UEC said it would hold a general election under the PR system in August, 2023.
