Security and counterterrorism forces formed by the military council are being assigned to safeguard polling stations in areas across Mon State where elections will be held, with responsibilities distributed according to township size and population, according to sources close to the township administration of the military council.
The Central Committee for Public Security and Counterterrorism Oversight was officially established by the military council on August 16. According to political party sources, over 10,000 people had completed its training programs nationwide as of December 2024.
These counterterrorism force members—about 100 per township—are being tasked with polling station security. Some military and police forces are also expected to assist, according to a source close to Ye township’s military administrative committee.
“At least two people will be assigned per polling station, working alongside the police. The military will provide outside security. Every township has its assignments. In the past, special police forces or civilian recruits attended one-month training sessions to guard polling stations. That’s not the case anymore,” the source said.
Security teams made up of at least 40 members from the People’s Security and Counterterrorism Force have already been formed in villages designated to conduct elections in Mon State.
These forces are divided into two groups: armed units for providing security and unarmed units for general duties. Most members are men between the ages of 35 and 65.
In Paung Township, however, these counterterrorism forces are already being used to inspect unlicensed vehicles, monitor city entry and exit points, and guard departmental offices. A local resident said they are being paid 6,800 kyats per day.
“They wear blue uniforms and get paid 6,800 kyats daily. Each group has about 50 people. They’re deployed at vehicle checkpoints, around the town for general security, and at polling stations. A lot of them are involved—many are poorly educated people. Once election activities pick up, they’ll definitely be used more,” the source said.
Locals in Mon State have expressed concern that these forces are only being used to serve the military council’s security needs. They are not involved in addressing theft, robbery, or drug-related crimes in the communities.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming election scheduled for December this year are already underway on the ground by military council departments. They are currently issuing citizenship verification cards under the third phase of the “Pan Khin” project.
Mock voting events are scheduled to take place on June 29 and 30 in Mon State, and members of the election commission are also undergoing refresher training.
