US Election: What if Myanmar could vote?
MYANMAR — As part of GlobalPost's project to interview 100 people in 20 locations around the world about the 2012 US election, we asked residents in Myanmar:
Who do you want to win the 2012 US election?
Will the election affect your country?
How has your view of the US changed since President Obama took office?
What should the next US president do?
- Name:Myint Swe
- Country: Myanmar
- Occupation: Monk
- Age: 34
- I would vote for: Undecided
The election's impact: "Our country is just starting to re-engage with the United States so I hope this process will continue after the 2012 election. I hope whoever is the new president will continue promoting good relations between US and Myanmar."
My view: "I am glad the US has started dialogue with Myanmar — our country needs help to improve living conditions for everyone. But US dialogue against countries like Iran worries me. Our world does not need more war."
Top priority: "Make a move towards global security stability and peace with Iran."
- Name: Ken Tun
- Country: Myanmar
- Occupation: CEO of local energy firm Parami Energy
- Age: 21
- I would vote for: Obama
The election's impact: "We are currently undergoing a political and social transition in Myanmar. I understand the Obama administration supports the reform process of Myanmar and I am not sure Republican will consider a friendlier approach to the people of Myanmar."
My view: "Improved. The US economy is slightly better now and I have seen a great deal of effort in recovering from the sub-prime crisis."
Top priority: "Improve the image of America as a friendly ally."
- Name: Myo Lwin
Country: Myanmar - Occupation: Senior editor of the Myanmar Times
- Age: 54
- I would vote for: Romney
The election's impact:"If the Republican like Mitt Romney becomes president, he will be dealing tougher with China, which can affect both US-China relations as well as Myanmar-China relations. It depends on how Myanmar will play between the US and China."
My view: "I have no idea."
Top priority: "Stability of the world economy."
- Name: Win Oo
Country: Myanmar - Occupation: Flower seller
- Age: 16
- I would vote for: Obama
The election's impact: "I don’t think so… we have our own problems here and the US is so far away."
My view: "I don’t know much about US, but I heard they lifted sanctions against our country … so I hope now life will be easier for people and my mother can have a good job, so maybe I can go back to school again."
Top priority: "Make world peace and stop people from being hungry."
- Name: Moe Cho
Country: Myanmar - Occupation: Maid/Part-time student
- Age: 18
- I would vote for: Hillary Clinton
The election's impact: "I hope my country will have better relationships with America and the new president will help that."
My view: "I think the US is better now because they lifted sanctions on Myanmar and they will help us grow our country."
Top priority: "Make world peace and no more fighting."
GlobalPost series: See what the world thinks about election 2012