The lack of reliable internet, the on-going war and covid19 are seriously damaging the integrity of the election process in many parts of Arakan State.

U Pe Than, Lower MP from Myaebon Township in Arakan declared “The government needs to stop the war and upgrade the internet from 2G to 4G to draw the interest of the people in the election.”

Voters in the seven townships of Arakan State find it difficult to check voters’ lists via the internet due to 2G internet access, said, locals and lawmakers. “The people have to spend too much time on slow internet loading due to 2G internet. Canvassing and checking voters’ lists via the internet is impractical,” added U Pe Than, a Lower House MP.

 A local resident Ko Kyaw Min Khaing agreed. “The government needs to restore the full internet access to enable people to have an interest in the election. We can do nothing with 2G internet. Internet connection is poor in the villages even when internet access is normal. It is impossible to check the lists of voters via the internet due to the COVID-19.”.

The people cannot check their names at the polling stations due to the stay-home rules issued due to the spread of COVID-19.

If they can access internet voters who are unable to check their names due to the health instructions are advised to check their names at findyourpollingstation.uec.gov.mm, which is compiled until September 4.

In addition, the names of voters can be checked on Mobile application: findyourpollingstation.apk which can be downloaded via Google Play Store, according to the recent statement issued by the Union Election Commission.

But only if the 2G network is functioning. Many qualified voters are likely to be deprived of their right to vote.