Irrawaddy/AFP-Jan 11
The Myanmar military held the second phase of its controversial election on Sunday in 100 townships nationwide in a bid to create a veneer of legitimacy for its continued rule, on a day marked by low voter turnout, resistance attacks, and reports of voters being intimidated into casting ballots amid tightened security. The junta is holding the vote, which has been widely condemned as a sham both at home and abroad, in three phases. In the first phase, held in December, the junta-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party won nearly 90 percent of votes. The third phase will be held on Jan. 25. On Sunday, The Irrawaddy observed polling stations in Yangon’s Latha Township—known locally as “Chinatown”—and in Pabedan Township, home to many residents of Indian descent. Reporters visited around 14 polling stations from 6 a.m. onward and saw few voters. At eight polling stations along 18th to 22nd streets, The Irrawaddy saw voters appearing in small groups. Most were middle-aged or older, appearing to be in their 50s, 60s and 70s. There were barely any young voters. The Irrawaddy noted that many voters seemed unsure of how to cast their ballots. Turnout was expected to be high at a polling station set up near Yangon University’s Hlaing campus where the staff quarters of the Education Ministry staff are concentrated. The Irrawaddy saw a small crowd there in the morning but when The Irrawaddy visited there again by noon, the polling station was empty. In a nearby ward, The Irrawaddy saw an ambulance fitted with loudspeakers driving along the streets and urging people to vote. It was already 1 p.m. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/low-turnout-intimidation-and-attacks-mark-phase-2-of-myanmar-juntas-election.html
