Myanmar: Support to the 2015 Elections

Myanmar is in the midst of a historical political transition. The 2010 and 2012 by-elections led to opposition parties gaining seats in parliament (10%) but were highly criticized. Personal and political stakes are very high, including for the army which may lose institutional power depending on the result of the elections. Intercommunal tensions/ violence and the peace process further compound the situation.

The 2015 parliamentary elections are credible, transparent and inclusive, as an important milestone in the democratic transition of Myanmar.

The Union Electoral Commission (UEC)

Civil society supporting the electoral process

Media outlets covering the elections

The Electorate, in particular women and marginalized voters.

1. The Union Electoral Commission (UEC) is effectively supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to prepare technically sound, inclusive and transparent elections
2. The capacity of civil society is strengthened through IFES to educate the electorate and targeted groups to participate in the 2015 electoral process,
3. Civil society is supported to conduct local observation and/or prevent electoral violence

Erwartete Resultate:  

• Technical capacity and operational effectiveness of the UEC improved
• UEC human resources policies and procedures to facilitate the recruitment of a diverse and inclusive staff strengthened
• Gender audit and gender strategy developed and implemented
• Accessibility of the polling stations increased
• Voters registration procedure and voter list improved
• Electoral resource center and Electoral Knowledge Network established for and with CSOs;
• Marginalized citizens educated on electoral processes, in particular women, youth and ethnic minorities, through at least 50 civil society events
• Media outlets trained and media monitoring reports produced.
• Local observation missions conducted

International IDEA is also a member of the Electoral Support Group (technical expertise).

SDC support will be closely coordinated with HSD. Switzerland will coordinate through the Electoral Support Group, Governance Working Group, Political Officers and Heads of Mission coordination meetings, that include mainly DFAT (Australia), UK, EU, US, Norway and UNDP. The Electoral Support Group will coordinate on a regular basis with the UEC. In addition, SDC will coordinate with civil society.

Phase 1 01.12.2014 - 30.11.2018   (Completed)