There are more than 3.6 million eligible voters who can participate in Burma’s general election in Shan State on Sunday, according to the state’s election commission.
Htin Kyaw, chair of the Shan State Election Commission said that the 3.634 million voters is an increase from around 3.1 million eligible voters in the 2015 general election.
There are 1.699 million in southern Shan State, more than 1.44 million in northern Shan State, and more than 480,000 in eastern Shan State.
More than 74,000 people over age 60 have already cast advance votes in the state, which were due by November 2.
The election will be held in 49 townships in Shan State, but has been fully canceled in six townships, and partially canceled in 17 townships, affecting nearly half the state’s townships. There will be no voting in Mongla, Panghsang, Ner Hpan, Mong Mao, Pangwai and Mong Kurng. Voting is also canceled in 133 village tracts and wards in Kyaukme, Nawngkhio, Namhsan, Manton, Mong Hkang, Mong Yang, Mong Hpyet, Mong Yawng, Kutkai, Muse, Makmang, Mongton, Tangyan, Lashio, Kunlong, Kong Zarng and Hopang townships.
The move, said to be based on security and stability in the areas, will disenfranchise at least 70,000 people, according to the UEC, which made the decision to cancel voting in these areas.
In the Shan State locations where there is voting, there are 3,591 polling stations, and 55,000 staff working in these stations on election day, November 8. This is an increase from the 3,331 polling stations open in the 2015 general election.
