The Nationalities Brotherhood Federation (NBF), an alliance of 15 ethnic parties, has called for a representation of ethnic nationalities in the Union Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.

Delegates from the Federation’s member parties released a seven-point statement at the end of a two-day meeting in Naypyidaw, according to Pe Than, Rakhine Nationalities Development Party member and lower house MP.

The statement included a call to provide roles for ethnic nationalities and leaders in union and local-level election boards, the appointment of elected parliament representatives to regional government cabinets, a reduced role for military representatives in the parliament, and amendments to the 2008 constitution to allow federal reforms.

“It is necessary to ensure the elections in 2015 are free and fair and we see that the Union Electoral Commission can signal their impartiality by including ethnic professionals and leaders,” said Pe Than.

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