A candidate of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Namkham, Kyaw Myint aka Li Yongqiang (51), well-known Panhsay militia chief and druglord from Namkham had thrown his well-known tantrums after arguing with members of Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) over USDP’s vote buying and vote cheating in polling stations, local sources reported.

“Kyaw Myint gave money to voters in his constituency Kyat 10,000 (US $10) each in a polling station. People who got the money, came out from the booths with a big smile and showed us money and said they won a lottery at the polling station,” an eyewitness said. “SNDP candidates then told Kyaw Myint not to do so as soon as they knew. But he did not listen.”

Besides, another problem which became evident was over ballot papers, an election watcher in the areas told SHAN.

Kyaw Myint was said to have brought over 500 ballot papers from another area and put them into the ballot boxes for counting.

“Yet again SNDP candidates told him but he did not listen and kept putting the papers to be counted. But the SNDP members also kept asking him not to do it and he got angry.  Then he called on all local authorities including the Chairman of the District Peace and Development Council (DPDC) to come to him at once to recount all the votes.”

The votes were finally counted at the office of the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) and not at the polling station, which is against the electoral law.

“During the election, he also brought 80 armed militiamen to guard the polling booths,” another voter said.

However, according to unofficial reports by election watchers, the SNDP candidates got most of the votes.

A few days before the election day, Kyaw Myint allegedly gave money and presents to villagers who attended his campaign rallies as well as cash donations to monasteries.

Kyaw Myint is contesting for a seat in the lower house from Namkham constituency No.2.

Kyaw Myint was a representative at the National Convention (NC), in the national races category. However, he is known more for his drug business. Yongyang Casino on the Mao-Shweli River near Muse is owned by him. Many ferry crossings on the Mao-Ruili river that serves as a boundary between China and Burma are guarded by Kyaw Htwe aka Li Yongping, younger brother of Kyaw Myint, who enjoys close relations with former regional commander Myint Hlaing. His men tax wayfarers and also reportedly traffics in drugs.