Campaigning for the 2010 general elections in Burma seems to have begun in earnest from the military junta’s side with the Deputy Minister of Power and Electricity visiting Tidim town and Tawnzang town in Chin state on November 13 to 15 on a campaign tour.

When the minister arrived he met departmental staff members, representatives of the Union Solidarity Development Association, Women’s Association and about 100 parents in a high school hall in Tawnzang town. He addressed them regarding the election.

“He urged us to cast votes for the candidates of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and beware of enemies of the state. The elections will be held soon and we have to unite as a family,” said a member of the USDA.

When Khonumthung News asked a person, who attended the meeting about the polls, he said that the forthcoming general election cannot be free and fair. “Even if we cast votes against the authorities it will convert it to votes in its favour,” he added.

Similarly, the second commander of LIB 309 Myat Soe had campaigned in Kalemyo and Tamu Township on November 7, where he met representatives of the Union Solidarity Development Association, Women’s Association, volunteer firemen and local parents.

Although the military junta has officially announced the elections for 2010, there is no declaration of codes and conducts of the election and the date.