Karenni Residents Under Junta Control Forced to Vote in Fear

“I don’t believe voting will bring any change. Even now, it feels like we’re reliving the old authoritarian era. I feel afraid whenever I see powerful figures, especially those with high ranks and authority,” said a 27-year-old woman from Loikaw, speaking about the current voting situation.

She earns her living as a market vendor in Loikaw and said the election is far less important than daily survival. She expressed disbelief that a single vote of hers could overcome the ongoing conflicts or bring about any political change.

Even though the election date approaches, Karenni residents show little interest in the junta-organized election. While people in areas beyond the junta’s reach are very little interested in voting, residents living in junta-controlled areas like Loikaw are being forced to vote due to various pressures.