2 September 2010: In what could tantamount to a blatant attempt at flouting electoral laws the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has ordered its members and government employees, who have been transferred, to cast votes in advance from August 21 in Falam constituency, Chin state western Burma.

“It is only meant for USDP members. They want to gauge how many votes they have,” said a member of the township commission.

However, there is no certainty whether these votes will be officially accepted on 7 November, the day of the election.

“There is no official order from the Election Commission to cast votes in advance. It is being done following an understanding between the township commission and the USDP,” said Pu Nang Thang, CPP candidate.

About 21 votes have been garnered till today. As the candidates’ names are written on the card in Burmese language, the officer in-charge explained and helped them.

“The voting booth is at the commission’s office. Each voting booth and card is meant for the candidates of the National Parliament, People's Parliament and State Parliament,” said a local.

For the USDP, Daw Sui Tluai is contesting for the National Parliament, Pu Lalthiang Hlim is contesting for the People’s Parliament and Pu Ngun Lal for the State Parliament from Falam township constituency.

“The commission and the USDP are in fact the current government. For us they are re-enacting the 1990 general election period,” said a member of the National Union Party (NUP).

The Election Commission office is operating from the Township agriculture office in Falam Township, where candidates of USDP, CPP, CNP and NUP will contest in Falam constituency.

Meanwhile, the USDP is trying to arrange advance casting of votes in Tiddim, Tonzang, Hakha and Thantlang townships from September 25.

In the 1990 general elections, the Election Commission had allowed votes to be cast one month in advance.