7 November 2010: The general elections in Burma got underway briskly from 6 am today across the country. In some parts of Chin state and Kalemyo, Sangaing division, where Chin political parties are in the election fray, there were some disputes between voters and officials in-charge of polling stations. However the situation was peaceful in other areas in Chin state.

In Hakha town, the Chin National Party (CNP) might fare well in this election according to a youth in the town. He said, “Most voters in 12 polling stations in Hakha will vote for the Chin National Party (CNP), though government employees cast votes in favour of the USDP.”

There are 22,500 voters in Hakha township.

About 4500 out of 7000 voters in Falam town have exercised their franchise today and the CPP is leading followed by the CNP and the USDP.

In Dawn village in Thantlang township, Chin state, 360 out of 525 voters have voted for the Chin National Party (CNP) while 25 voters voted for the USDP and NUP. Ten voters went back without casting their votes because of Pu Hrangceu and Khuanglian, the officials in-charge of the polling station, who allegedly told them that they ‘need not cast votes, nothing will happen.’

In Zamtlang village, Thantlang township, following is the vote count for the political parties – USDP-50, NUP-47, CNP-169 for the People’s Parliament. The USDP-55, NUP-49, CNP-168 for the State Parliament and USDP-49 and CNP -191 for the National Parliament.

In Ralpel village, Thantlang township, USDP got 63 votes, NUP -27 and CNP -115 for the seat in People’s Parliament. The USDP got 65 votes, NUP - 29 and CNP - 120 votes for the seat in the State Parliament and 64 votes for USDP, NUP - 4 votes and CNP -128 votes for the seat in the National Parliament.
Latest trends suggest, CNP is leading in Bungkhua, Fungkah, Ruah Khua, Lungler, Sihhmuh and Thanzang villages in Thantlang township.

“The CPP is ahead in southern Tiddim township, with 60 per cent of the votes, while the USDP has taken the lead in the north,” a member of the CPP in Tiddim said.

In Kanpalet township people are of the opinion that the CNP will forge ahead in this election. The National Democratic Front (NDF) is leading in Matupi town followed closely by the USDP.

There were some discrepancies between voters’ identity card numbers and the number on the voters list kept with officials in-charge of a polling station in Kalemyo, but the officials allowed them to cast their vote. Polling stations might be kept open beyond the time set for the polling to stop, it is learnt.