Election commission allows PACE to monitor polls

The Union Election Commission (UEC) reversed its decision and decided to allow the People’s Alliance for Credible Elections (PACE), a local poll monitor, to observe the conduct of the upcoming November 8 polls.

Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, executive director of the PACE, said the UEC has agreed to allow the group to monitor the election.

The PACE executive did not provide details about the decision of the UEC but said detailed information will be announced at a press conference after meeting with UEC in Nay Pyi Taw on August 18.

PACE said it has yet to receive an official letter from the poll body recognising it as an official election observer for the elections.

On Friday, the group said it received a letter from the UEC dated July 30, rejecting its application to be recognised as an official watch group.

In the decision, the UEC accused PACE of being “an organisation not registered under the [law]” and “receiving funding from international organisations.”

Established in 2014, PACE receives aid from UK Aid, the US National Democratic Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, and the Open Society Foundation.

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Linn Hset Aung