The military junta has appointed its public security and anti-terrorism groups to secure polling stations in areas where elections will be held in Mon State, according to sources close to the junta’s township administration.
These groups are currently being assigned duties based on township and population size.
The junta formed the Central Supervisory Committee for Public Security and Anti-Terrorism on 16 August, as announced in a prior statement. By December 2024, approximately 10,000 individuals nationwide had completed training for these units, according to political party sources.
Each township has been assigned around 100 trained personnel to secure polling stations, with additional support from junta troops and some police units, said a person close to the junta’s administration in Ye Township.
“At least two people will be assigned at each polling station, working alongside the police. The military will provide additional security on the outskirts. They’ve deployed these units in every township. In the past, polling stations used special police, but now they’re training civilians for a month to guard the stations. That’s not how it’s done anymore,” the source explained.
In designated villages in Mon State where the election is mandated to take place, security teams comprising at least 40 members of militia and anti-terrorism units have been formed, the same source added.
The junta has organized these trained personnel into two groups: armed security teams and general security teams. Most members are men aged between 35 and 65.
However, in Paung Township, these anti-terrorism units are also being utilized for tasks such as inspecting unlicensed vehicles, securing town entry and exit points, and guarding government offices. A local from Paung reported that these personnel are paid a daily wage of 6,800 kyat.
“They’re dressed in blue uniforms and paid 6,800 kyat a day. They’re used for everything—groups of about 50 people. They’re at checkpoints inspecting motorcycles, securing the town, and guarding offices. A lot of people are joining, including some real drunkards. They’ll likely use them for election-related activities too,” the local said.
Mon State residents have expressed concerns that these public security and anti-terrorism units primarily serve the junta’s security needs and do not address local issues such as theft, robbery, or drug-related crimes.
Preparations for the election, scheduled for December this year, have begun on the ground, with junta departments implementing necessary measures.
Currently, national ID cards are being issued under Phase 3 of the ‘Pan Khin’ voter registration plan.
Mock voting demonstrations are planned for 29 and 30 June in Mon State, and election commission members are undergoing refresher training, sources confirmed.
Sent by IMNA
