The Union Election Commission (UEC) has temporarily closed the election sub-commission offices in six townships in Yangon Region after grave concerns over COVID-19 infection according to the statement by the Yangon Region Election Sub-Commission on 23 September.

At least one and more election officials in these townships have tested positive for COVID-19.

The affected offices are located in Insein, Dala, North Dagon, Dawbon, Kyauktada and Kyeemyindaing Townships and all election staff are now in quarantine in accordance with the rules designated by the Ministry of Health and Sports.

The Yangon Region Election Sub-Commission has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the closure of branches and its impact on the election campaign.

The district election sub-commission and the region election sub-commission will deal with the work of the closed branches.

The current spike in COVID -19 cases has resulted in the increased total of confirmed cases to 8,515 with 155 deaths with Rakhine and Yangon, the worst-affected areas.

The UEC is facing mounting pressure to postpone the November 8th election.