University students in areas under junta control are being denied entry to campus unless they can show proof that they cast an advance vote, according to students and local residents.

The first phase of the junta’s planned election—scheduled for December 28—includes Namsang in Southern Shan State and Loikaw in Karenni (Kayah) State.

In the first week of November, the junta-appointed administrator in Namsang reportedly went door to door, urging university students to cast advance votes. Between November 17 and 21, nearly 100 students were forced to vote, residents said.

Students were explicitly told they would not be allowed to attend university or enroll unless they presented a voting receipt.

“We had no choice. If we didn’t vote, we wouldn’t be allowed to attend class,” a university student told SHAN.

“They gave us a recommendation letter after voting, and it’s required for attending classes. I didn’t even know which party to choose—I just picked one.”

Namsang is heavily militarized, with junta troops, SSS forces, and local militias such as the Nar Yai and Mak Kaeng groups stationed in the area. Most residents are known to be pro-military.
In Loikaw, where the Education Degree College reopened in early November, students said they were told they must vote if they wanted to continue their studies.

“They said if we don’t vote, we may not be allowed to attend classes,” a Loikaw student said. “I voted because I was afraid they would deny me entry. No matter who we vote for, they will win anyway.”

Loikaw University had remained closed for two years following the outbreak of heavy clashes between junta forces and Karenni resistance groups on November 11, 2023. After revolutionary forces lost control of Mong Pai (Moebye) in July 2025, the military regained control of both Mong Pai and Loikaw, enabling the university to reopen this November.

On November 21, the junta-subordinate Union Election Commission announced that more than 28,000 university students nationwide had cast advance votes, raising further concerns about widespread coercion.