The Pa-O National Army (PNA) has begun collecting names for a voters’ list and pressuring residents of southern Shan State to vote for the military’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in the 2023 national elections.

A man who spoke to SHAN on condition of anonymity said the soldiers have been going from village to village in Pinlaung and Nyaung Shwe townships since 6 September.

“They’re forcing people who’re at least 18 years old to give their names. Even though many would prefer not to participate, they have weapons and are threatening people,” said the 30-year-old, who expects them to start collecting names next in Hsihseng and Hopon townships.

In the 2010 race, the PNA also collected names for a voters’ register and told them to vote for the USPD.