Many people cast their votes due to fear of facing consequences if they choose not to vote

Brief interview with Sittwe resident who voted

Poh Wah, Narinjara News, December 29, 2025

Narinjara reached out to a 38-year-old resident of Sittwe to obtain additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the Sittwe election today.

Q - Please inform me about the current status of the election in Sittwe today?

A - Today, numerous residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) participated in the voting process. Voting was not avoidable. The authorities assigned a unique voter number to every resident prior to the election. They were provided with a notebook as well. After casting their votes, they were required to sign the register. If they did not cast their votes, they would encounter additional inspections and potential detentions. The inhabitants came out of their homes due to their fear of these matters. If you do not participate in voting, you may fear the issues that will arise shortly thereafter. The people living in Sittwe are similar to birds trapped in a cage.

Q - Did the military authorities state that you must cast your vote?

A- They don’t express that. However, there are instances where they can detect. I am concerned because I possess my own voter identification numbers. Prior to that, the officials instructed us to check your number and to come cast our votes. In Sittwe, numerous individuals have been taken into custody and questioned in earlier times. In this scenario, you find yourself in the city, and you don’t dare to make a fuss. I am saying this openly. However, currently, there are almost no arrests taking place in Sittwe.

Q - Why are there no arrests recently? What is your perspective on this matter?

A - Individuals in prison can’t vote. That is the reason. It is likely due to the fear that they will not receive any votes. Previously, residents were detained nearly every night. Currently, the population in Sittwe is not large. The majority of the city's inhabitants have fled due to the war, leaving behind only those who have come from rural areas and a few remaining residents from parts of the city. It is believed that the number of arrests was decreased to encourage voter participation.

Q- Which political party did you cast your vote for during the election?

A-It was the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military-backed party. They would emerge victorious anyway. Why should I exhaust myself looking for alternatives? There are no choices to make among the Rakhine parties. I don’t even know who are the ones currently taking part. I have fulfilled my duty and voted for the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Q- What is the condition of the military and security in the city during the election?

A- As usual. We can hear the sound of large artillery. The military has heightened security measures in the city beyond the normal level. There is an increased military movement occurring. At each intersection in Sittwe, there are no fewer than five police officers and soldiers present. They have been offering security in Sittwe since the early hours of election day.

Q- From your experience, what are the distinctions between the 2020 election and the current election?

A - During the last election, I contemplated which political party and candidate would emerge victorious and the possible consequences for the nation. I considered whom I should support in my vote and whom I should avoid. I believe that each individual has distinct interests and expectations. At this moment, I do not have a political party for which I wish to cast my vote. I just cast my vote because I want to avoid difficulties for myself. The political parties in Rakhine cannot be depended upon. There is no one else but the USDP. It’s sure that they shall win anyhow. In other terms, this election is one that lacks both trust and hope.

Q: Do you think this election will bring about a change in the existing political landscape of Myanmar? What are your expectations?

A: I do not anticipate anything specific. Everyone is facing a circumstance where the military is presently in control. In Sittwe, a significant number of residents are experiencing hunger. It is challenging to undertake any tasks. There is no business to engage in. If you engage in a business, it’s sure that you won’t make any profit. Numerous individuals present in this location are starving. We aim to resolve this situation at the earliest opportunity. We have no alternative option. We need money if we wish to escape to Yangon or other areas like the rich. If we don’t have money, where will we live, and what will we do there? We are now living in Sittwe under the control of the junta because we have no choice. I think they will also be successful in the election. Thus, there will be no change. We shall proceed under a state of military governance. I cannot comment on other regions. Here, we can only wish for a swift change that allows AA to take over Sittwe promptly, leading to a quick resolution of the issue. In this scenario, the election will not bring any change.