Arakan State Election Commission plans to prepare for the spread of the COVID-19 virus by relocating some polling stations to playgrounds. 

In previous elections, the schools were used as polling stations. The construction of polling stations in the playgrounds is aimed at avoiding the mass gatherings on Election Day as the Arakan State has seen a spike in the COVID-19 cases.

U Thurein Htut, Secretary of Arakan State Election Sub-Commission said: “It is not ok for the voters to cast their ballots at the schools in a COVID-19 era as the voting at the schools goes against social distancing. That is  why  the commission plans to build the polling stations on the playgrounds.”

The commission plans to build the polling booths in playgrounds in populated cities and also in monasteries.

Since 16 August until the morning of August 28, the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Arakan State has reached 217—137 in Sittwe Township, 14 in MraukU Township, two in Thandwe Township, six in Buthedaung Township, 14 in Pauktaw Township, seven in Kyaukbyu Township, 19 in Maungdaw Township, six in Myaebon Township, five in Minbya Township, six in Kyauktaw Township and one in Ponnagyun Township.

Lower House MP U Oo Tun Win from Kyauktaw Township said: “There are two major difficulties on the ground. The first point is military conflict. The second is COVID-19. Arakan State sees daily spikes in cases of COVID-19. Currently, it is not in a position to control the spread of COVID-19. It is difficult to estimate what kinds of challenges ahead during the two-month period leading up to the election.”

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