As the military regime’s election approaches, residents in several townships across Southern Shan State report being pressured to vote, with local administrators warning that they will not take responsibility for any “consequences” faced by those who fail to cast ballots.

In Hopong Township, residents said village heads and local leaders affiliated with the Pa-O National Organization—commonly referred to as the Pa-O militia (PNO/PNA)—have warned villagers that abstaining from voting could lead to future problems. The warnings were reportedly delivered during a campaign rally held by PNO candidates on December 23 in the Sam Phu village tract.

“They say they won’t take responsibility if anything happens to us later,” a male resident of Hopong told SHAN. “Because voter lists are cross-checked with household registrations, they will know exactly who didn’t vote. We’re afraid of being targeted or framed. At the same time, we’re also afraid of possible bombings at polling stations.”

During the rally, PNO representatives reportedly urged residents to vote only for their party, promising to work for “public peace” if elected. Similar pressure was reported in Hsihseng Township during the third week of December.

In Namsang Township, residents said the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the Shan and Ethnic Democratic Party (SNDP) have been the most active campaigners, though public interest remains low.

“On December 22, the SNDP held a rally, but police were stopping people on the roads to check helmets and documents,” a Namsang resident said. “People were too afraid to attend, so they just handed out pamphlets. There isn’t strong pressure yet, but most people simply don’t care about the election.”

According to the Township Election Commission, Namsang and Kho Lam townships have 87,491 eligible voters across 11 wards and 20 village tracts, with 78 polling stations planned.

In Ywanghwe (Nyaungshwe), witnesses reported seeing police and election officials in full uniform distributing election pamphlets at the township market on December 13—a presence that appeared to discourage public participation rather than encourage it.

The military regime has announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28 in 12 townships across Shan State, including Pangtara (Pindaya), Hopong, Nawnghkio, Kengtung, Tachileik, Taunggyi, Namsang, Muse, Mong Hsat, Lashio, Langkho, and Loilem.