Heavy rainfall causing landslides and blocked roads have disrupted canvassing in some parts of Kachin State, according to the Kachin-based political parties.

 

U Yein Khaw, a candidate of the KSPP who has registered to compete in Chiphwe Township Constituency-1 observed that “The 2020 General Election is totally different from the 2015 General Election. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we find it difficult to do canvassing with less than 50 people as issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports. The difficult road access caused by bad weather compounds the problems.”

 

“Candidates have started their canvassing campaigns after the UEC announced the election campaign period on September 8. The road access is blocked by the landslides caused by heavy rains during this month. They are unable to do canvassing,” U Yein Khaw added.

 

The KSPP candidate lamented “Due to the incessant rains until this morning (September 28)

 I can’t go anywhere. The roads are blocked by the landslides triggered by heavy rains since the beginning of this month. I find it difficult to do canvassing due to the blocked roads “

 

 U Ku Shin Min, a local from Naungmon Township said: “I had better repair the damaged roads as fast as possible as it is the election campaign period.” 

Chiphwe Township has more than 20,000 voters.

A total of 19 parties will compete in the 2020 General Election in Kachin State.

There are around 11 million voters and more than 900 polling stations in Kachin State.