The election is slated for November 8, 2020. The country sees a massive increase in the daily caseload of COVID-19. Till October 13, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 30,437 and the case fatality rate, 693. The following are the voices of local youths in Mon State over the election to be held when the covid-19 virus has caused a public health crisis. BNI asks should the election be postponed?

Khun La Kho, a local from Thaton Township

“I think the election should be postponed. The people are more concerned about the pandemic. There will be crowds of the people at the polling stations as the number of confirmed cases and the fatality rate has increased. It would be okay if the UEC decides to issue stricter rules. The UEC should build more polling booths. The UEC needs to issue the statement in an urgent manner. The UEC has not issued any statement yet as the Election Day is approaching. The UEC should share information with the public.“

Min Khant Ti, a local from Thanphyuzayat Township

“Currently, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases has increased gradually. I think the officials need to rethink the election. The Union Election Commission (UEC) should release information exactly. If the election cannot be postponed, the UEC needs to build more polling booths. I think it needs to increase the number of polling stations from two to four or five polling booths for social distancing. During the election campaign period, the parties need to educate the people about COVID-19 for example: wearing a facemask. I think the parties are aware of preventive measures against COVID-19. It is a dangerous virus.

Ma Myat Noe Khin, a local from Mawlamyine

I think the UEC will not postpone the election. I don’t want to urge the UEC to postpone the election as now the Election Day is drawing near. But I want the UEC to build more polling stations. The UEC should double the number of polling stations in award during this period. I think the UEC has not released the exact number of polling stations yet, though the UEC said it plans to increase the number of polling stations. People in some villages don’t even know how to cast their ballots. The stay-at-home rule is imposed only in Belin and Mawlamyine Townships in Mon State. It is not okay for candidates to do canvassing with a group of people. Due to the COVID-19, I want the candidates to pay more attention to online media for their canvassing.