Mya Wun Yan — The Myanmar Police Force has appointed more than 4,000 special police officers to provide security for the upcoming election in Shan State. A 10 day training course is underway in the state capital Taunggyi to train special police officers who will also provide election security, according to the Shan State Police Force. The course which began on October 20 runs until October 30.
Shan State Police Force Commander Brig-Gen Aung Aung explained that the training course is being given so that the newly deputized police understand their responsibilities and abide by the rules and regulations.
“Now is the pre-election period and there are only 19 days left before the General Election. In order to hold the election successfully, the special police officers have been appointed to preform security duties with the Myanmar Police Force under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs in line with standard procedures,” he said.
There are 1,064 polling stations across Taunggyi district and 1,064 special police officers have been appointed to serve there on polling day.
According to Police Lt-Col San Lwin the special police has recruited people from a number of backgrounds including civilians, reserve firefighters, people’s militia (pyithu sit in Burmese), and Red Cross members. There will be 3,434 polling stations in the state and each one will have a special police officer serving there on polling day.
U Than Shwe, who has been appointed to serve as a special police officer in Taunggyi says he will serve with impartiality on voting day. “I’ve entered the special police force on behalf of the public to help hold a true election without favoring any parties. It has been organized with interested persons from the wards and none of them are from parties and organizations. We have a duty to stand with impartiality,” he said.
Non-partisan applicants between the age of 18 and 60, must have at least passed middle school and be in good health in order to serve. They must be appointed with a recommendation from their respective ward and village administrators.
The special police officers will revive training relating to police affairs, military parades and media affairs.The special police have to serve from October 20 to November 13 and each officer will receive a uniform, 120,000 kyats for their salary and 30,000 kyats as a stipend. The uniform of the special police officer has a red patch and a badge with the word ‘Special Police’ . They will also be wearing blue hats.
