When Myanmar’s campaign season begins on September 8, voters can expect a lot of activity from politicians.
They can also expect a lot of ads.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced last week that political parties will be allowed to air radio and television spots lasting 15 minutes, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar, which reported the news on Friday.
It’s unclear how often the ads will be aired or if it’s a onetime deal. There are almost 100 political parties, so maybe they will play in an unending loop on state-backed television and radio for the next two months.
Can’t wait.
But the real problem with the spots is the laundry list of rules associated with getting them on air. Parties have to submit their transcripts for pre-approval to the UEC seven days before they take their turn.
The Ministry of Information and the UEC will then “scrutinise scripts,” as New Light put it. Broadcasts that have a “detrimental effect on national consolidation, security, the rule of law, the dignity of the armed forces, racial, religious or individual rights or is [sic] in violation of existing laws will not be aired,” the paper reported.
So basically, Donald Trump wouldn’t stand a chance here.
Photo of voter education art / Aung Naing Soe / Coconuts Yangon
