Burmese (Myanma) by-election, 2012
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40 (of the 440) seats to the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives)
and 6 (of the 224) seats to the Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities) |
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First party |
Second party |
Third party |
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SNDP |
| Leader |
Thein Sein | Aung San Suu Kyi | Sai Ai Pao |
| Party |
USDP |
NLD |
SNDP |
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| Leader since |
2 June 2010 (2010-06-02) | 27 September 1988 (1988-09-27) | 8 April 2010 (2010-04-08) |
| Leader's seat |
(not a candidate) | Kawhmu (Pyithu) | (not a candidate) |
| Last election |
259 (Pyithu)
129 (Amyotha) | Did not contest[1] | 18 (Pyithu)
3 (Amyotha) |
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| Seats after |
212 (Pyithu)
124 (Amyotha) | 37 (Pyithu)
4 (Amyotha) | 18 (Pyithu)
4 (Amyotha) |
| Seat change |
 37 (Pyithu)
5 (Amyotha) |  37 (Pyithu)
4 (Amyotha) |  (Pyithu)
1 (Amyotha) |
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A woman places her ballot into the Pyithu Hluttaw representative election box in the April by-elections.
The 2012 Burmese by-elections were held on 1 April 2012.[2] The elections were held to fill 46 vacant parliamentary seats.[3][4]
The main opposition party National League for Democracy was re-registered for the by-elections on 13 December 2011 as part of the reforms in Burma since 2010. NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi ran in the seat of Kawhmu,[5] which she won and her party won in 43 of the 44 seats they contested (out of 46).[6][7]
Election observers
In February 2012, President Thein Sein remarked that the government would "seriously consider" allowing Southeast Asian observers from the Association of South East Asian Nations to observe the election.[8] The Burmese government confirmed that it had requested for ASEAN election observers to arrive on 28 March, five days before the election.[9] Canada, United States, European Union, China, and North Korea, as well as ASEAN dialogue partners (India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and Australia), were also invited to observe the election, although it remained unclear the degree of access these international observers would have.[10][11] The United States sent two election observers and three journalists.[12]
On 13 March 2012, the Union Election Commission, approved political party monitors to monitor polling stations during the election.[13] In the previous election, only Union Solidarity and Development Party monitors had been allowed to observe the elections and ballot counts.[13] A civilian-led monitoring group, including members of the 88 Generation Students Group, will also be scrutinizing election irregularities.[14]
On March 28, 2012, Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade sent a delegation consisting of Senator Consiglio Di Nino and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhrai.[15]
Pre-election controversies
Aung Din of the US Campaign for Burma has said that the Burmese government is exploiting the elections to have Western sanctions lifted as quickly as possible, since a free and transparent election has been one of the conditions set by the European Union and American governments.[10] Moreover, the National League for Democracy has pointed out irregularities in voter lists and rule violations by local election committees.[16] On 21 March 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi was quoted as saying "Fraud and rule violations are continuing and we can even say they are increasing."[16]
With regard to the invitations of international election observers, a US State Department spokesperson said that the Burmese government fell short of expectations to accommodate observers during the entirety of the campaign season (as typically done), which is nearing the end, as a select number of observers were allowed only to observe the election:[17][18]
| “ |
"...it does fall short of international complete transparency on an election, and we hope they’ll continue to keep the system open, and open it further... A full-scale international observation effort would typically include quite a bit of pre-Election Day observation, systematic coverage on Election Day, post-election follow-up, and professional monitors from nongovernmental organizations." |
” |
|
Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), a Bangkok-based election monitoring organization, has publicly called the election observations inadequate, failing to meet international standards, being too restrictive (only two observers are allowed per government, or five for ASEAN nations), and coming too late (invitations were sent less than two weeks before the election date), all of which make it logistically impossible to monitor all 48 polling stations.[19] On 20 March 2012, Somsri Hananuntasuk, executive director of ANFREL, was deported from Yangon, purportedly for entering the country on a tourist visa.[20]
On 23 March 2012, the three by-elections in Kachin State, namely in the constituencies of Mogaung, Hpakant and Bhamo Townships, were postponed due to the security situation there.[21][22]
Two days before the by-elections, at press conference, Suu Kyi remarked that the voter irregularities were "beyond what is acceptable for democratic elections," said she did not consider the campaign "genuinely free and fair" and referred to acts of intimidation (such as stone-throwing incidents and vandalism) toward party members.[23][24] On 1 April, the opposition National League for Democracy alleged irregularities, claiming that ballot sheets had been tampered to allow the election commission to cancel the vote for Suu Kyi's party.[25]
Two Australian MPs (Janelle Saffin and Mathias Cormann), who were selected to observe the by-elections as part of Australia's monitoring team, were denied visas to enter the country.[26]
Aftermath
Much of the international reaction on the by-elections has revolved around the sanctions imposed by Western countries (including the United States, Australia, and the European Union). President Thein Sein and the Burmese government have been eager to work with Aung San Suu Kyi in order to remove these measures.[27]
President Thein Sein remarked that the by-elections were conducted "in a very successful manner."[10]
The Union Solidarity and Development Party has said it will lodge official complaints to the Union Election Commission on poll irregularities, voter intimidation, and purported campaign incidents that involved National League for Democracy members and supporters.[28] The National League for Democracy has also sent an official complaint to the commission, regarding ballots that had been tampered with wax.[29]
In response to the by-elections, a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said:[30]
| “ |
China has noted that some Western countries have said they will lift sanctions on Myanmar. China has had a consistent stance on this issue. We welcome moves by these countries to lift sanctions on Myanmar and call on all parties to fully lift sanctions on Myanmar as soon as possible. |
” |
|
ASEAN leaders, including those from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, have called for the immediate removal of sanctions.[31] Singapore's Prime Minister said the following: "President Thein Sein has been much bolder than many observers have expected. ASEAN is happy that Myanmar has been able to take these steps forward."[32] Australia's foreign minister, Bob Carr, said the Australian government was planning to loosen sanctions, but not abolish them altogether.[33]
US Senator John McCain, who had met with Aung San Suu Kyi in January 2012, said:[34][35]
| “ |
We should now work with our many international partners to begin the process of easing sanctions on Burma. This will be a gradual and incremental process, and the U.S. Congress will have a critical role to play. |
” |
|
On 4 April 2012, the Obama administration announced that it would nominate an ambassador to the country and ease some travel and finance restrictions, without specifying a time table.[36] Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said of the elections:[37]
| “ |
The results of the April 1st parliamentary by-elections represents a dramatic demonstration of popular will that brings a new generation of reformers into government. This is an important step in the country’s transformation, which in recent months has seen the unprecedented release of political prisoners, new legislation broadening the rights of political and civic association, and fledgling process in internal dialogue between the government and ethnic minority groups. |
” |
|
To normalize diplomatic relations between the countries, she also said that following the nomination of an ambassador, the US would establish USAID mission in Burma, ease restrictions on export of finance services and developmental assistance and facilitate travel for some government officials, although targeted sanctions toward "individuals and institutions that remain on the wrong side of these historic reform efforts" would remain in place.[37] A few sanctions (in the financial, agriculture, tourism and telecommunications sectors), are directly controlled by the executive branch, but most of the imposed sanctions were legislated by Congress, and will take a lengthy process to remove.[38] On 6 April 2012, the Obama administration nominated Derek Mitchell, who is currently the American special envoy to Burma, as United States Ambassador to Burma.[39]
The European Union, which has already eased some sanctions and travel restrictions (including on Thein Sein), will review travel bans and asset freezes on individuals tied to the previous ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council on 23 April 2012.[40] UK Foreign Secretary William Hague suggested that easing of restrictions would be contingent on the release of political prisoners and further progress.[41]
Other scholars have noted that the by-elections, which were a relatively minor event, given the number of seats at stake, are not as defining and important as other steps toward national reconciliation.[42] Some have called removal of sanctions premature, while others have considered sanctions ineffective in the reform process.[42]
Results
Overview
Source: Result Burmese by-elections, 2012
| House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw) by-elections, 2012 |
| Party |
Seats |
Gains |
Losses |
Net gain/loss |
Seats % |
Votes % |
Votes |
+/− |
| |
NLD |
4 |
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66.6 |
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USDP |
1 |
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16.7 |
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| |
NUP |
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+ |
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| |
KDUP |
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+ |
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| |
LNDP |
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+ |
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| |
SNDP |
1 |
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16.7 |
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| |
UPP |
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+ |
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| House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw) by-elections, 2012 |
| Party |
Seats |
Gains |
Losses |
Net gain/loss |
Seats % |
Votes % |
Votes |
+/− |
| |
NLD |
37 |
|
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|
92.5 |
|
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| |
USDP |
|
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|
|
|
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| |
NUP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
NDF |
|
|
|
+ |
|
|
|
|
| |
NNDP |
|
|
|
+ |
|
|
|
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| |
MNC |
|
|
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+ |
|
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| |
ARDP |
|
|
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+ |
|
|
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|
| |
DP |
|
|
|
+ |
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|
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| |
PNO |
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+ |
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| |
UMFNP |
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+ |
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| |
MPP |
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+ |
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| |
Independent |
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+ |
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| |
Vacant |
3 |
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7.5 |
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House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw)
Ayeyarwady Region
Pyapon and Dedaye Townships make up Constituency № 10.
Bago Region
Oktwin and Htantabin Townships make up Constituency № 7.
| Bago Region's Constituency № 7 by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Min Oo |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Than Than Nwe |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Magway Region
Sagaing Region
Kanbalu, Kyunhla, Ye-U and Taze Townships make up Constituency № 3.
Banmauk, Kawlin, Wuntho and Pinlebu Townships make up Constituency № 7.
| Sagaing Region's Constituency № 7 by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
USDP |
Tin Mya |
' |
% |
|
NLD |
Saw Hlaing (disqualified) |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Chit Han |
|
% |
|
SNDP |
Mar Kyin |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Shan State
Lashio, Tangyan, Mongyai, Hsenwi and Kunlong Townships make up Constituency № 3.
| Shan State's Constituency № 3 by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
SNDP |
Sai Sam Min |
47,226 |
29.1% |
|
NLD |
Sai Myint Maung |
45,700 |
28.1% |
|
USDP |
Nang Keng Phawng Tip |
45,220 |
27.8% |
|
KDUP |
Luo Xingguang (Law Shin Kwan) |
17,894 |
11.0% |
|
LNDP |
Yaw Thup |
6,360 |
3.9% |
|
| Totals |
162,400 |
% |
House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw)
Ayeyarwady Region
| Maubin Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Sein Win Han (Sein Win) |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Myo Thant Tin |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Maung Maung Thin |
|
% |
|
NDF |
Khin Su Su Aung |
|
% |
|
MPP |
Thein Shwe |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
| Wakema Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Myint Myint San |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Htun Aung Kyaw |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Than Aung |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Bago Region
Mandalay Region
| Tada-U Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Khin Thanda |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Aung Mon |
|
% |
|
NDF |
Nan Htaik Zaw |
|
% |
|
UPP |
San Htun |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Magway Region
| Magway Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Myint Thein |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Aung Thein Kyaw |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Hla Myint |
|
% |
|
NDF |
Kyaw Sein Han |
|
% |
|
UMFNP |
Kyaw Swa Soe |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
| Yezagyo Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Tin Htay Aung |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Bo Win |
|
% |
|
Independent |
Han Shin Win |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Mon State
Naypyidaw Union Territory
Sagaing Region
| Mingin Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Khin Hmway Lwin |
27,989 |
56.43% |
|
USDP |
San Win |
19,779 |
39.88% |
|
NUP |
Htay Aung |
1,828 |
3.69% |
|
| Totals |
49,596 |
100% |
Shan State
| Kalaw Township by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Daw Than Ngwe |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Mya Win |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Khin Maung Hla |
|
% |
|
SNDP |
Sao Tha Oo |
|
% |
|
PNO |
Khun Than Maung |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
Taninthayi Region
Yangon Region
Regional Parliaments
| Ayeyarwady Region Hluttaw's Yekyi Township № 2 by-election, 2012 |
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
NLD |
Hla Myat Thway |
' |
% |
|
USDP |
Tin Soe |
|
% |
|
NUP |
Win Kyi |
|
% |
|
| Totals |
' |
% |
References
- ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8592365.stm
- ↑ "Electoral Calendar – international elections world elections". Retrieved 12 May 2011.
- ↑ Callan, Aela (29 March 2012). "High stakes in Myanmar election". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ Hla Hla Htay (30 December 2011). "Myanmar sets by-election date". AFP. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
- ↑ "Aung San Suu Kyi registers for Burma election run". BBC News. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
- ↑ http://www.rfa.org/english/news/burma/elections-04022012160808.html
- ↑ "Suu Kyi's party wins Myanmar by-election landslide". NDTV. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ Petty, Martin (21 February 2012). "Myanmar says will consider ASEAN poll observers". Reuters. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
- ↑ "Burma gets ASEAN poll monitor boost". Democratic Voice of Burma. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sopheng Cheang (21 March 2012). "Myanmar will allow US, EU monitors for April vote". Associated Press. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
- ↑ "Burma invites US and EU observers to April by-elections". BBC News. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
- ↑ "US Accepts Burma's Invitation to Observe April 1 Vote". Voice of America. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Shwe Aung (14 March 2012). "UEC okays poll monitors". Democratic Voice of Burma. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
- ↑ "Citizens to Monitor Elections". Radio Free Asia. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ "Canada Sends Witnesses to Burmese By-Elections". Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2012-04-07.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Western Election Observers Invited". Radio Free Asia. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
- ↑ Kha, Lalit K. (22 March 2012). "Good First Step, But Short of Complete Transparency: US". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ Nuland, Victoria (21 March 2012). "Daily Press Briefing". US Department of State. Washington, DC. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ "Myanmar Election Observation Encouraging But Inadequate". Asian Network for Free Elections (Bangkok). Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ Zin Linn (23 March 2012). "Is Burma’s election monitoring a window-dressing?". Asia Tribune. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ "Myanmar postpones vote in three of 48 constituencies because of security concerns". Associated Press. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
- ↑ "Burma postpones by-elections in troubled Kachin state". BBC News. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ "Aung San Suu Kyi: Burma election not 'free and fair'". BBC News. 30 March 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ Golluoglu, Esmer (30 March 2012). "Aung San Suu Kyi criticises Burmese election irregularities". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "Myanmar opposition alleges ballot irregularities". Montreal Gazette. 1 April 2012.
- ↑ Hindstrom, Hanna (30 March 2012). "Australian monitors denied visas ahead of polls". Democratic Voice of Burma. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "Sanctions Worked in Burma". Wall Street Journal. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ "Myanmar ruling party claims poll irregularities". Agence France-Presse (InterAksyon.com). 6 April 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012. ] "Aquino lauds Myanmar by-election". Xinhua. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ Ko Pauk (1 April 2012). "NLD files official complaint against ballot tampering". Mizzima. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "China calls for all Myanmar sanctions to go after poll". Reuters. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "Southeast Asian leaders: Lift Myanmar sanctions". Associated Press (PhilStar). 4 April 202. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Ramesh, S (5 April 2012). "Singapore welcomes Myanmar's progress: PM". Today. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Murdoch, Lindsay (5 April 2012). "ASEAN leaders call for sanctions on Burma to be lifted". The Age. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Lalit K Jha (4 April 2012). "McCain Calls for Lifting of Sanctions". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ McCain, John (3 April 2012). "Statement By Senator John McCain On Election In Burma". Washington, D.C.: United States Senate. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Lee, Matthew (4 April 2012). "US eases some Myanmar restrictions". Associated Press (Herald Tribune). Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Clinton, Hillary Rodham (4 April 2012). "Secretary Hillary Clinton On Recognizing And Supporting Burma’s Democratic Reforms". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Myers, Steven Lee; Thomas Fuller (4 April 2012). "U.S. Moves Toward Normalizing Relations With Myanmar". New York Times. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Robinson, Gwen (6 April 2012). "US nominates first ambassador to Myanmar in years". Financial Times.
- ↑ "EU likely to further eased sanctions on Myanmar : spokeswoman". Deutsche Presse Agentur. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ "Hague calls for gradual removal of sanctions". Mizzima. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Do Elections in Myanmar Signal Real Change?". International Policy Digest. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ↑ Yadana Htun (9 April 2012). "Second coming for MDY winner". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
- ↑ Win Ko Ko Latt; Nyein Ei Ei Htwe, Su Hlaing Tun and Yu Yu Maw (9 April 2012). "NLD sweeps Nay Pyi Taw in surprise win". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
- ↑ Aung Si Hein; Zon Pann Pwint (9 April 2012). "Parties struggle for Dagon Seikkan win". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
- ↑ "Myanmar election commission announces NLD wins overwhelmingly in by-elections". Xinhua. 2 April 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ Aye Sapay Phyu; Nuam Bawi (9 April 2012). "Mayangone sees 60pc turnout". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
See also
- 2011–2012 Burmese political reforms
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| | General elections | |
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| | By-elections | |
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