Junta pushes ahead with census plan despite intensifying civil war

By Admin 02 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
2 September 2024, Sittwe

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday reiterated his regime’s plan to conduct a population census from October 1-15, as armed resistance to its rule continues to affect large parts of the country, including a growing number of areas where it is no longer in control.

The regime plans to compile voter lists based on the population census for the general elections it has proposed for next year. The junta boss said it was time for another population census 10 years after it was last conducted in 2014.

“For the sake of the interests of future generations, it is necessary for every household to correctly answer the questions of census takers without doubt and fear,” Min Aung Hlaing said.

Census data is crucial for development undertakings, the health and education sectors of the country, and voter lists for the election to be held in November of next year, he said.

Politicians doubt the regime can conduct a nationwide population census due to ongoing armed conflicts in northern Shan, Arakan, Kayin, Kachin and Chin states, and Mandalay Region.

Political analyst U Than Soe Naing said: “Over 100 towns are experiencing armed conflicts. The regime only controls over 90 towns, and it will only be able to conduct the census in those towns. The regime is not in a position to conduct a census across the country.”

Seventy percent of 330 townships across the country are experiencing armed conflicts of varying intensities. Anti-regime groups have seized more than 70 towns.

One politician said: “The regime repeatedly said that it would conduct a census this year and hold elections. It is just a political ploy. It is impossible to hold nationwide elections. Elections can only be held in places where they still control.”