Rodehaver urged the Myanmar government to ensure meaningful participation of the Rohingyas in the upcoming elections in May. “The Government should take immediate steps to ensure that the Rohingya can meaningfully participate in the forthcoming election, both as candidates and as voters,” said Rodehaver. The November elections also offer the chance to restore political rights to the Rohingya, who were able to participate in all votes until 2010. However, they were excluded from the 2015 ballot, and at least four Rohingya politicians who sought to stand in the upcoming vote have had their applications rejected. This continuing process of disenfranchisement effectively prevents Rohingya from enjoying their fundamental rights.

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 29, 2020 11:14 UTC