More than 800 schools, and more than 15,000 education staff [teachers] will be utilized in the upcoming 2020 election, according to the State Education office.
Dr. Cho Cho Myat Aung, the State Education officer explained that polling stations will be set up in 845 schools. In addition, 15,630 education staff will serve in various capacities including polling station chiefs. In the 2015 election, more than 10,000 teachers in Mon State were employed as polling station staff.
“During the election, most of the education staff serve as polling station chiefs and deputy polling station chiefs, that is the tradition of education staff,” said Dr. Cho Cho Myat Aung.
Polling station staff includes many retired teachers, inexperienced education staff, and non-local teachers.
“The polling station is not too far from where the teachers live. However, [some] people from Mawlamyine may have to go to Kyaikto, but this is rare. And, the relevant health department commissions will [be involved to make] it easier,” he added.
The increasing number of Covid-19 infections across Myanmar continues to impact the election preparations. Polling staff were scheduled to train this month, but that has been postponed due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. In addition bus routes in Mon state and elsewhere are closed, making it difficult for staff to travel to designated areas.
“I was worried about the condition of the disease, but I have the responsibility to go. On election day, I will follow the instructions of the Department of Health. I think we should [follow a] home quarantine [protocol] after contact with a lot of people,” said a teacher assigned duties at one polling station.
