'It's All Up to Us'

Thu Wai, the chairman of Democratic Party (Myanmar), speaks in North Okkalapa Township in Rangoon in October. (Photo: Getty Images)

He spoke to The Irrawaddy about electoral alliances, his party's strengths and weaknesses, and his expectations for a post-election Burma.

Question: With less than a month to the election, how is your party doing?

Answer: We don't have much time left, but our party candidates have been campaigning in their respective constituencies. I myself have made four campaign tours in my constituency, which is Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township. I have also been to other townships whenever possible. It has been encouraging. People were a bit intimidated in the beginning, but later I saw their open support for our party.

The day before yesterday, while I was campaigning in the street, Minister Aung Kyi, who is my opponent in this constituency, was also campaigning on another street. That is what competition is about: so that people can see the differences between us. According to reports from other townships, things are going well.

Q: What are the strengths of your main opponents, the Union Solidarity and Development Party?
 
A: They have power and money. For instance, my opponent Minister Aung Kyi has visited all the community centers in the area. The USDP are building roads and schools now. He also visited mosques because there are a number of Muslim residents in the area. He offered them opportunities so that they would vote for him. Still, there are people who do not support him.

Q: Several democratic parties and ethnic parties formed alliances over a week ago, but your party did not join an alliance. Why not?

A: All six members of the alliance are our allies. We have all agreed to work together. The main reason that we did not join the alliance is because of the  National Democratic Front (NDF). We have to compete against each other in some constituencies. Therefore, voters may get confused seeing two allied parties competing against each other. After the election, we will be in consultation with each other. They are all our friends. 

Q: The National League for Democracy (NLD) and its allies have boycotted the election. How are you going to proceed, given the different stances among opposition camps?

A: We are close friends with the NLD too. I have always attended their events. Regarding participation in the election, that is their own decision. No one is right or wrong. We respect their decision and they respect ours. We always meet at events if we are unable to meet in private. We have a mutual understanding.

Q: The regime-backed USDP is stronger and its leadership is mostly made up of former generals. The military will automatically take 25 percent of the seats. Is it fair to say that the post-election government will be dominated by the military?

A: Basically, the military will have an automatic 25 percent quota of the legislative bodies. They will also take the positions of Defense Minister and Border Affairs. The National Security Council can stage a coup any time they like. In effect, they have got so much authority.

However, in reality, you only win if you have the support of the public. Many people dislike the USDP. If the public do not vote for them, we will win this election. They will win only in constituencies where pro-democracy groups are not competing.