The country’s military junta has begun conducting a pilot census in 20 villages in civil war-torn Myanmar. UCA News reported this on October 2.
Junta officials have said the national census must be completed before new elections in the country, which the government has hinted could take place in 2025.
“We will carry out [перепись] from October 1 to 15, 2023 in 20 selected municipalities in Naypyidaw and other states and regions”the statement says, without specifying which areas would be involved.
“These 20 towns will be a model”says the message.
Critics say the junta will use the measure to increase surveillance of opponents.
At the same time, as critics of the regime point out, the military justifies its 2021 coup with accusations of widespread fraud in the 2020 elections, which the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, led by Aung San Suu, won by a wide margin over other candidates.Zhi.
State media reported that the pilot project had begun in the Karen, Bago and Mandalay regions.
It comes ahead of a national census planned for 2024, state media reported.
Critics say the junta could use census data to intensify monitoring of coup opponents, including thousands of government workers, doctors and teachers who did not return to work in protest.
According to the UN, more than 1.6 million people are now also displaced by violence that has divided the country into two rival camps since the coup.
Washington said any election held by the junta would be a “sham.” Analysts say opinion polls will target the military’s opponents and lead to more bloodshed.
Russia has said it supports the generals’ plan for the election, and its electoral commission last month signed a memorandum on “cooperation in electoral activities” with Myanmar.
Although it was not mentioned in the statement, Myanmar said it intends to implement an electronic identification system.
Officials said the plan will collect “biographical data and biometric data of citizens aged 10 and older.”
Last month, ministers asked China, an important ally, weapons supplier and operator of a vast national surveillance network, for help with the program.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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