Political parties based in the Arakan State have called for the full restoration of the internet during the election campaign period. U Aung Mya Kyaw, Secretary of the Arakan National Party (ANP) said: “We are not in a position to carry out canvassing via social media due to the internet shutdown in some townships. I would like to demand the full restoration of the internet during the election campaign period.

The Union Election Commission started allowing political parties to carry out the canvassing as of September 8. However, parties find it difficult to carry out canvassing as the government has imposed the stay-at-home notice for all townships in Arakan State after the second wave of COVID-19.

The political parties in Arakan State are facing difficulties to do canvassing via social media as only 2G internet access is available in Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, MraukU, Minbya, Myaebon, Yathaedaung, Buthedaung Townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State

“We need 4G internet access for online canvassing,” said Dr. San Shwe, Chair of Arakan State Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

U Kyaw Zaw Oo, Spokesperson of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) said: “The restoration of the internet is needed not only for the election. We should have internet access for everybody 's use.”