Tight Security, Voter Apathy Grip Mandalay Ahead of Junta-Run Election

Mandalay is under tight security ahead of Sunday’s junta-orchestrated election, with residents describing a muted atmosphere and only the military’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the People’s Party (PP) of former 88 Generation leader U Ko Ko Gyi visible on the campaign trail.

The first phase of voting, scheduled for December 28, covers Chan Aye Tharzan and Aung Myay Tharzan townships in Myanmar’s second largest city. Seven parties are contesting: the USDP, PP, People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), National Unity Party, Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, Myanmar Farmers Development Party and the Democratic Force Labour Party.

The campaign period ends on Friday, but residents say only the USDP and PP are actively canvassing.