Myanmar Election: Voters in Singapore hope for new era of democracy, development

SINGAPORE — For the past few weeks, Madam Theresa Khin has had her hands full, from setting up a Myanmar election survey group on Facebook, to helping the Myanmar Embassy with the polling paperwork, and even ­recording a short music video urging her fellow countrymen to vote for Ms Aung San Suu Kyi’s party.

This evening (Nov 9), after a group of friends and volunteers stayed overnight at her home to pray for the ­results, her hopes appeared to be ­answered, as Ms Suu Kyi’s ­National League for Democracy (NLD) led the election, in the first results ­announced.

“It makes me so happy ... it’s time for our government to change to a real democracy,” said Mdm Khin, who still feels a great sense of duty to her country, despite having lived in Singapore for the last 23 years.

Mr Zaw Winwaing, who has been in Singapore since 1994, also flew back to Yangon two days ago specifically to vote, reluctant to miss out on the historic occasion.

“The moment I knew the election dates, I booked the flight tickets,” said the 45-year-old, who showed off his ink-stained finger — an indication that he has voted. “I haven’t slept since last night ... everyone was out on the streets watching the live telecasts; it was very exciting.”

When TODAY visited Peninsula Plaza today, the mood was muted, with most still going about their daily business. About 7.30pm, groups huddled around as they tuned in to live streaming of the electoral results on television screens in grocery stores. Others were busy scrolling through Facebook to check the latest updates, in between tending to their work.

Although the official results were not in yet, some, such as grocery storekeeper Ms Yu Yu Kyi, are already ­expressing optimism for their country’s future. “For the past 50 years, the old party has looked down on its people, has tried to close our eyes, shut our mouths, and stop us from speaking out,” she said.

Some voiced hopes that under Ms Suu Kyi’s leadership, Myanmar could put an end to corruption. Said Mr Myo Aung, 36, an engineer: “She promised to fight for a clean and corruption-free government ... I hope this new government can lead the country in the right way.”

Apart from tackling corruption, they are holding out hope for systematic improvements in areas such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and the business climate.

Some said the time to celebrate will come once the official results are ­announced. In 1990, the NLD scored a landslide win but the junta refused to acknowledge the result.

“NLD still hasn’t won, not officially ... we still have to wait for the power to be handed over to the new government,” said Mr Aye Kywe, who works in the pharmaceutical industry.