Most policemen were annoyed because they had to write down their personal numbers, names and national identity card numbers on the sheet and stamp the 'Yes' symbol in front of respective police officers.
"They were dissatisfied. Although the voting law states that one can vote secretly in reality they have to submit their names, personal numbers and ranks as attachments in their votes. So they voted out of fear in front of high ranking police officials," said a mother of a policeman.
Most policemen in Bamaw would have liked to cast the 'No' vote but they had to vote 'Yes' because there was no secret voting system. Family members of policemen are yet to vote.
"Similarly, U Ohn Ngwe, Head of Township Education Department, was under pressure of the District and Township authorities, to persuade all staff of the Education Department to cast 'Yes' votes," said a staff of the Education Department.
"They said that teachers do not need to go to the polling stations and will vote separately. It seems that 'No' votes will not be accepted," the staff added.
Troops in military bases in Bamaw do not need to vote in the referendum because 'Yes' votes are expected of them, according to a source close to military. However, confirmation was not available.
All people who vote in advance do not have the opportunity to vote under the rules and regulations of the countrywide referendum. They were all under pressure of local authorities in several ways to cast the "Yes" vote.
