Voters Push for New Leadership to Secure Youth’s Future

Interviewers: Nyein Thu & Kyaw Gyi; Photos: Kanu & Kyaw Gyi

As Phase III of the multiparty democratic general election 2025 was held in 17 townships of Yangon Region yesterday, eligible voters keenly cast ballots at their respective polling stations from the opening time.
The news team mentioned the aspirations of voters from Dagon, Lanmadaw, Yankin and Tamway townships in Yangon Region and officials’ endeavours to hold a free and fair election.
Ma Khin Mar Lwin (Dagon Township)
As a citizen, I want to the polling station together with all my family members to cast a vote because I want to fulfil my civic duty. I cast my vote for the party I prefer. When a new government emerges, what I want to say is I hope it will take action to reduce commodity prices for the people.
Maung Paing Soe (Dagon Township)
It was an exciting experience for me. It is my first experience of casting a vote in my life. As a young person, I came to vote because voting is a citizen’s right, and because I hope there will be more job opportunities and better living conditions. As a young person, I want to live freely and peacefully. Above all, I want to ensure a good life for my family. We want better jobs and higher wages for young people, and we want a better future for our generation.
Ma Yoon Kabya Soe (Dagon Township)
It is my first-time experience for me to cast a vote. So, I felt excited. I hope there will be more opportunities for employment and improvements in education for us. I came to vote because I hope for a leader who I believe will be better for everyone.
Ma Aye Madi Soe (Lanmadaw Township)
This is my first-time voting. At first, I was worried that I might not know how to do it, but it turned out to be straightforward, and everything went smoothly. As a citizen, you should think about your country – what will happen in the future – and if you live in this country, you should care about it. I want Myanmar to be peaceful and functioning normally. That’s why I studied the candidates and voted for the representative I believe will perform best. Going forward, I hope Myanmar will be peaceful and develop further.
Maung Wai Phyo Oo (Lanmadaw Township)
To exercise my right as a citizen to express my will, I chose the representative whom I believe aligns with my wishes. I want the country to become better than it is now and to see progress in all aspects.
Ma Wut Shwe Yi (Yankin Township)
As this is my first time casting a vote, I feel excited. I am also happy to have the opportunity to vote and not lose my citizen rights. Voting by machine was not difficult at all. I am a university student, and I want to contribute to my country to the best of my ability. I want to see our country become better than now. I also hope for a new government that can develop the education sector to be on par with other Asian countries and, by enhancing young people’s capabilities, help build a better and more progressive future for the youth.
Ma May Thae Nu Khaing (Tamway Township)
This is my first-ever vote. Voting by machine was convenient. I cast my vote for the party I believe will be beneficial for the country. As I am a student, I would like to prioritize the education sector. History shows that countries built on education are the ones advancing rapidly today. When education standards are high, technology follows, and economic success comes naturally; this is clear when we look at neighbouring countries. A stable education system is essential. In the education sector, there must be equal access and equal teaching quality for both mountainous and lowland areas. Since the future of the country depends on young people, the future of our youth can only shine brightly with the light of education. I would like to say that the integration of youth and education is a true driving force for national development.
Ma May Yadana (Tamway Township)
I work at an eye hospital. As a young citizen, this is my first time voting. I cast my vote with full confidence for the party that I believe can raise wages, reduce commodity prices, and improve employment opportunities. I also voted for the party that I think can make living conditions and transportation more convenient for workers. I want the country to be peaceful and stable. I enthusiastically voted for the candidate who I hope will be able to plan and implement measures to improve the lives of workers, and I believe this will give us young workers peace of mind about our future.
Ma Nang Wutyi (Tamway Township)
I cast my vote, which is important for the country. I believe the elected candidate will be able to make the country better and improve the economy. If a new government emerges, I strongly hope that commodity prices will be stable and aligned with wages, that job opportunities will help improve everyone’s economic situation, and that women as a whole will have security and rights. I also have high expectations that the government will be one the public can rely on in areas such as transport, education, and healthcare.
U Soe Win (Tamway Township)
I voted for the party’s candidate who will work for the good of the country without considering personal gain. As citizens, we hope for a developed, peaceful, and prosperous society. This moment is extremely important, and there is much work to be done. To make the country peaceful and prosperous, everyone needs to work together hand in hand. The future of the country depends not only on the hands of the people but also on the capabilities of the new government that will emerge.
Daw Nwe Ni Myo Hlaing (Polling Station Head), Polling Station 1, BEHS No 2 in Ward 14 of Yankin Township
At Polling Station 1 in Ward 14, Yankin Township, there were 2,296 voters, including 74 for the Kayin ethnic representative and 94 for the Rakhine ethnic representative. As early voters, 70 people had already cast their ballots. Arrangements were made so that the public could vote smoothly, including organizing the voter lists for easy checking, and the machines were repeatedly tested. At 5 am on the day the polling station opened, when the candidates arrived, it was demonstrated that the machine buttons were functioning properly and that the machines were set to zero. At 6 am, voters began arriving to cast their ballots. Although the polling station closed at 4 pm, all voters present inside the station were allowed to vote in an orderly manner.
U Dawut (Tamway Township)
I hope a good new government will emerge for the country. Improvements are needed in the health, education, and transport sectors. Most importantly, citizens’ rights should be equal and fair. Currently, the main challenge is the economy, so measures are needed to facilitate booming trade. I also believe that a positive change will occur. For the country to develop, everyone should avoid activities of personal cult and partisanship. We should welcome reformers who will genuinely work to make the country better. So, we wholeheartedly welcome a new government that prioritizes the interests of the country and the people.

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