A workshop on election observer guidelines for foreign and domestic observers was held at the Grand Amara Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, collaborated by the Union Election Commission (UEC) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

UEC Chairman U Hla Thein first delivered a speech, where he said they are implementing the National Strategic Plan for 2019-2022 to ensure the 2020 General Election is held in line with the five norms. He said organizing elections is important as Myanmar is establishing a democratic system.

The UEC Chairman said it is important for elections to be fair, honest and trustworthy by the people, and local and international organizations will be observing eagerly. He said the process of observing elections elevates the integrity and status of elections and assists in strengthening the democratic system.

The UEC Chairman said observers should do more than just look at the day of the election and should monitor the periods before, during and after the elections have taken place. He said the presence of observers will discourage tampering with the election and solidify trust in the election process and the UEC.

Next, Mr Manfred Bernhard of International IDEA explained the two-day workshop which is organized by STEP Democracy.

MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)