Residents of Ye Township say they are alarmed by the heavy deployment of security forces in wards and villages where polling stations have been opened. Local sources said some residents have temporarily fled their homes due to security concerns.
According to the State Election Commission, Phase Two of the election is scheduled to take place in Ye Township on January 11. A total of 29 polling stations have been opened across wards and villages in Ye town, Lamine town, Khawzar town, and Kalarkote Island, with 47,637 eligible voters.
Since New Year’s Day, security has been tightened in villages hosting polling stations, with at least 300 personnel deployed in each village, including soldiers and police. Artillery units stationed in Ye Township have also reportedly been firing heavy weapons almost daily as a show of force.
Security forces have been conducting patrols and searches inside and outside villages, setting up ambush positions, and remaining on high alert for combat. A local resident said some people living near polling stations have fled their villages.
“In areas with polling stations, they have deployed a large number of troops and imposed extremely tight security around the villages. During the day, they strictly check people entering and leaving. At night, they patrol and set up ambushes. Because of this, local people are very afraid, and some have already fled,” said a Ye resident.
On December 28th, during Phase One of the Military Commission’s election, a landmine explosion occurred at the ward administrator’s office in Lamine town, Myoma Ward (2), where voter lists had been posted. The explosion damaged the office building, furniture, and voter registration documents.
A local resident said traveling near polling stations now poses serious security risks. Many residents also do not wish to support the military regime’s election and therefore do not plan to vote. Others fear authorities from the Military Commission may come to their homes and pressure them to vote.
“Everyone is worried about this Phase Two election. If we go to vote, we’re afraid something might happen at the polling station. Revolutionary forces have repeatedly warned people not to vote. But if we don’t vote, we’re also afraid the military will come to our homes and force us to go. We don’t know what to do anymore,” another Ye resident said.
In recent days, residents in the Khawzar area have reportedly received handwritten notes in the Mon language stating, “Don’t lose your life because of a single vote,” leaving them under pressure from both sides.
In Ye Township, the Military Commission has designated the following village tracts as areas where the election cannot be held: Asin, Zee Phyu Thaung, Abaw, Andin, Kyauk Mi Chaung, Chaung Taung, Duya, Thingyan Kyun, Hangan, Donphi, Kawdut, Belamine, Thaung Pyin, Hnit Kayin, Belamu, Kaninkamaw, Hnin Sone, Taung Bon, Kawhlaing, Kabyar, Magyi, Yin-ye, and Kyone Nye.
Among the five townships in Mon State scheduled to hold Phase Two of the election, Ye Township and Bilin Township are considered areas of strong revolutionary armed activity. Local residents said revolutionary forces may carry out intensified military operations during the election period.
