Due to attacks on polling station staff during the second round of voting in the junta’s ongoing three-phase elections, government employees assigned as polling station workers are expressing heightened fears ahead of the upcoming third round.
Although the junta cannot effectively guarantee security, it went ahead on January 11 with the second-round voting as scheduled, opening polling stations in 100 townships nationwide. The aftermath, however, included drone bombings and improvised rocket attacks in at least 10 townships across Bago, Magway, Sagaing, and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon State, leaving some election staff with casualties.
In Htantabin Town, Bago Region, a drone-dropped bomb struck the General Administration Office while staff were preparing to count votes. A deputy director of the office was killed instantly, and several staff suffered serious injuries.
Following the incident, the entire township was forced to close polling stations early due to security concerns. A source familiar with the situation said the deaths of junta-aligned officials in targeted drone strikes had a major impact on the morale and sense of safety among election staff.
"Government staff have never wanted to be involved in running polling stations, but the junta pressured them into it. After seeing attacks like this, no one wants to risk their life. The junta’s promises to ensure security are just words, the reality is that staff are in serious danger," he told NMG.
The junta is preparing to proceed with the third round of voting on January 25 as scheduled. However, many election workers are trying to avoid being assigned to polling stations, citing medical leave or other excuses. Some are even considering fleeing to border areas if they cannot be excused.
Resistance forces have justified their attacks as a measure to deter the junta from coercing civilians into voting.
Despite threats from the junta that staff who refuse polling duties will face consequences, government employees remain reluctant to assist at polling stations for the third round.
Political and military analysts note that the situation is especially tense because some of the townships selected for round 3 are in areas experiencing active armed conflict, creating even more difficult dilemmas for poll workers.
