Let the journey begin.
After trying and trying and trying and trying, three candidates from Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy have finally boarded a boat to the Coco Islands, a cluster of sparsely inhabited territory off the southwestern tip of Myanmar that is technically part of Yangon Region.
The NLD has been attempting to get there since campaigning started in September but has been stymied by a lack of means and what it characterizes as not very helpful regional authorities. A scheduled trip more than a week ago was cut short. Ironically, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party has not had transportation problems.
The largest of the cluster – Great Coco – is their likely destination. In the 1960s and early 70s, it was home to a political prison under General Ne Win that came to be known as Burma’s “Rock” or “Devil’s Island.” It was converted into a base for Myanmar’s Navy afterwards and has remained that way ever since.
Supporters gathered at a port in Yangon this morning to see the team of candidates, volunteers and some journalists off. They sang songs and waived signs. It was quite the send-off, as it should be. The aspiring office holders aren’t coming back until after the election.
At about 180 miles from the mainland, the Coco Islands aren’t close. Many of the “residents” are connected to the Navy. The area is also the subject of frequent speculation about a Chinese military presence. But with the NLD trying to sweep to power for the first time, every vote counts. The party also suspects that the population has been boosted of late to guarantee more USDP support.
The candidates are contesting seats in the Lower House, Upper House and Regional Parliament, but the Upper House candidate stayed behind to canvass in mainland townships, according to the Irrawaddy.
These are two of the candidates, Win Min (on left) and Win Ko Ko Win, waiting around to set sail, or getting in some last-minute cell phone service.
Win Min, seeking a seat in the Lower House, said: “We can’t spend a lot of money and we didn’t. We are not hiring the whole ship. The ticket is just 20,200 kyats (around $18) to the island.”
He expects challenges once they are on shore.
“There will be some blockades. They are putting signboards in some areas as restricted areas which were not restricted before. They don’t give a chance to campaign freely but we will work according to legal frameworks.
“The other party has 60 days for campaigning but we just had 14 days. If they don’t feel shame, they can win. We will run with our dignity.”
It should take about 36 hours to reach the islands. Judging by this picture of a pre-departure lunch on board, that’s going to be a long ride.
Photos / Aung Naing Soe / Coconuts Yangon
