By Kantarawaddy Times
Locals in Bawlakhe, Karenni State, have reported errors in the voter lists recently posted by the Union Election Commission (UEC) under the control of the Military Council. The lists were displayed at respective township administrative offices between September 30 and October 13 as part of the first round of voter registration announcements.
A resident who fled from Bawlakhe town said that, after contacting locals still living in the area, they learned that the names of voters who are no longer present in the town—but had appeared only by name in the previous election—were still included on the current voter list.
The resident added that only about 200 people remain in Bawlakhe town, consisting mainly of a small number of government staff, some civilians, and communities closely affiliated with the Military Council.
“There’s no internet in the town, and the network barely work, so getting updates is difficult. But from what we’ve heard, the voter lists have been posted, and people are being told to come and check their names. Many don’t even know who the candidates are yet,” the resident said.
Similarly, reports from across the country indicate that the released voter lists contain errors such as the inclusion of deceased persons and duplicate names, according to statements from political parties and local administrators.
In response, UEC Chairman U Thein Soe said the voter lists were compiled in accordance with the law and regulations, based on data from the General Administration Department and the Ministry of Immigration and Population, and verified using software-based systems.
Although the commission has opened communication lines for inquiries regarding voter list issues, the junta’s Ministry of Information warned that any disruptive or harassing phone calls would be recorded, and the corresponding SIM cards would be deactivated.
