The spike in COVID-19 cases will have a major impact on political parties canvassing inside Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Kachin State according to the officials at the camps.
U Saung Taint, in-charge of the Gyanmaikaung RC IDP camp in Myitkyina Township reported,
“Unlike the 2015 General Election, they will not be allowed to enter the heavily-populated IDP camps. Up to three persons will be allowed to enter the IDP camp.”
He added “In the previous election, the IDPs had to cast their votes at the Ayemyathaya Basic Education School. We want the sub-commission to collect the advance votes from the elderly at the IDP camp. But the entry of many people is not ok due to the spread of COVID-19.”
The UEC has directed the election sub-commission to display the lists of voters at the IDP camps in order that the voters may not lose their voting rights in the 2020 General Election.
Similarly, Htwal Aung, in-charge of Gyanmaikaung (KBC) IDP camp responded: “I want those who will come to the IDP camp, to follow the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports during the pandemic period. We will limit the number of people.”
There are more than 80 IDP camps in Kachin State with more than 100,000 IDPs, according to the Kachin Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The IDPs show little interest in voting with few people checking their names on the lists of voters., At Robert IDP camp in Bhamo Township an officer claimed the IDPs are not interested in voting.
U Shwe Min, Chair of the Lisu National Development Party said: “Lack of free canvassing at the IDP camps is a big loss to the political parties and ethnic parties. It is very difficult for us. According to covid-19 guidelines we are not allowed to go to crowded places. We want to discuss this matter. We are not able to talk with the UEC (Election Commission). We cannot accept these restrictions during these two months.”
A total of 19 political parties will compete in the upcoming election. Kachin State has 89 polling booths, according to the Kachin State Election Sub-Commission Office.
