Candidates of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Burma put up two billboards in Maungdaw this morning, according to members of an election watchdog group in Maungdaw.

The two billboards were installed in front of the USDP office and near a clock tower in Maungdaw.

“Members of the Regional Development Association (RDA) carried materials to the two sites early this morning,” said a local resident who attended early prayers at the Maungdaw mosque.

“RDA members put up the billboards themselves at about 8:30 am, but the candidates came about an hour later and moved the billboards to a new spot so they could take photographs with them,” said an elder who was at the clock tower at the time.

“The candidates, including Aung Zaw Win and Mya Aung, poured water and olive branches on the billboards and wished all the candidates peace and success in the elections,” he  added.

As the November 7 elections draw near, critics in Arakan State have complained that the USDP has used its power and influence, as well as their connection with Burma’s ruling generals in the State Peace and Development Council to intimidate and threaten voters into supporting.