The military junta, which has left Burmese ethnics wallowing in the dark for decades since the military coup in 1962, is now on the verge of general elections. The regime has started Election Commission training for Burmese ethnics to make them aware of election rules in Karenni state, according to sources inside.
The training commenced on June 17 at 9 a.m. and was imparted in Deemawso Township’s downtown hall and in Tawwaytarzay hall Pruso Township in a high school.
Mu Sophia, a member of the Kayan women’s organization, said, "They are trying to ensure election victory and have already planned how to influence voters. With people being unaware it is easier for the junta to campaign.”
In the Election Commission’s training course, divisions and states representatives are being provided election related training and activities in Karenni state. For instance, the township sub-commission secretary Oo K. Mg Ree has trained sections and camp commissions on how to operate a polling centre. Other issues were discussed by Oo Sai Thein Lwin, a member of the sub-commission. He trained polling station supervisors and Oo Sai Mya Thaw trained on three representatives - House of Representative, Senate and Self-administered Regions and how to go about the voting process.
According to the state run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar on June 21, "There are 245 members training in Township Sub-commissions, Ward or Village-tract Sub-commission and polling centre adivisers during the first day of training which was reduced to 147 members on the second day of the training."
The 2010 Election Commission is leaving civil societies in the dark, said a resident from Loikaw.
A local woman, said, "Observers and diplomats say the election is expected to be held in October, but most Burmese people in the country do not know about the polls. Residents in Loikaw [capital town of Karenni state] say they do not know anything about the election process."
The Burmese government has repaired roads, bridges and built schools to woo voters. Furthermore, the Region Commander’s officials have travelled to Loikaw to meet election commission officials who represent divisions, states and also Shandaw Township and Mawchee Township.
