The pre-vote for eligible voters was opened today, and voters who did not vote for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) were punished.

Burmese state scholars, who study in foreign countries were allowed to vote before November 7th, though scheduled return trips to foreign countries were cancelled when they were found out to have not voted for the USDP, according to a female source close to one of the scholars.

Voting in this election is supposed to be anonymous. About his friend, this source explained, “He didn’t vote for USDP. That’s why his trip was cancelled.” The source, currently living in Rangoon, but originally from Mon state, added that she is not sure if she will be able to vote. Her name is not on the voting lists collected some months ago by the Election Commission, as she was not in Mon state for the collection. Not only she, but also other workers in Rangoon, are unsure as to whether they will be allowed to vote or not.

State scholars and travelers were accompanied by polling booth officers, vice-polling booth officers, the polling booth teams, and security guards (police or appointed persons) for the pre-vote.

One teacher from Thanphyuzayart town said about 34 teachers from her school had to pre-vote because they will be working at the polling booths on the 7th of November.

The female source said “workers under the Ministry of Industry No. 1 are worried they have to vote for the minister [of Industry]’s party (USDP) for fear that they will lose their jobs if they do not.” She further explains, “They [the Burmese government and the Election Commission] want all government staff to vote for their party [USDP].”

However, the New Light of Myanmar, a government-run newspaper stated that “our citizens have understood that the Fundamental Rights of Citizen will be fully practiced in the forthcoming elections. Utilizing effectively such Fundamental Rights of Citizen they have, citizens who are eligible to vote are going to choose candidates who can promote the interest of the people. It is a practice of enjoying the right to elect the representatives.”

It is plain to see that the statement by the government and the actions taken for those who have not chosen the government’s party do not match.