Blatant strong arm tactics are in evidence with USDP candidates and the Burmese Army joining hands to pressurize village headmen in Kyauk Gyi Township, Bago region to vote for the party and mobilize voters, a village headman in constituency No.2 in Kyauk Gyi Township said.

“Only one party seems to be contesting in our region. Leaders of the USDP called us and told us to vote for them. Village headmen are playing an important role. They also have to urge people to vote for USDP. We are reluctant but we have to exercise our franchise and vote USDP,” a villager said.

Kyauk Gyi Township has two constituencies. The USDP and NUP are contesting in the No.2 constituency. Of the two parties, USDP candidates have held campaign rallies and urged people to vote for them.

There are 10 village-tracts under the No.2 constituency, which include 45 villages including Pattalar, Innet, Lel Welgyi, Wel Ladaw, Kywetalin, Mamayar, Natthakwin, Htowaseik, Daungmo, and Kyauk Zayit.

The USDP candidates will contest for the State, People and National Parliament from constituency No.2. They are: U Win Bo for State Parliament, U Thet Naing Oo for National Parliament and U Thein Soe for the People’s Parliament. The NUP candidate, U Nyan Win Swe will contest for the State Parliament from constituency No.2.

At the moment no polling stations have been set up in the region but local authorities have already appointed polling officers and agents.

“I think each village will have one polling station. School teachers have been appointed as polling officers to man polling stations,” a villager said.

According to one village headman, USDP organizers came to the village and demonstrated how to vote on October 4.

Critics said the ensuing election will not usher in any change but will legitimize the junta’s rule in the country.