Myanmar’s military government has started a nationwide census to compile voter lists for a general election promised for next year, despite the ongoing civil war in the country. The census, carried out by enumerators accompanied by soldiers and police, is seen as a way to gather information to monitor opponents of military rule. The shadow National Unity Government has advised people to use caution in complying with the survey, warning against collaborating with the military council.
Pro-democracy guerrillas have also threatened reprisals against those who help collect information for the census. Ethnic militia groups, such as the Chin Brotherhood Alliance and the Dawei Defense Team, have warned of strong action against military government personnel participating in the survey. These groups have previously targeted individuals associated with the military during similar data collection efforts, resulting in fatalities and captures. The military government is aiming to use the census information to legitimize its rule and prepare for the upcoming general election.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, has stated that the census is crucial for compiling voter lists, but has not specified a date for the election. The survey, which contains 68 questions on various topics including household size, education, disabilities, and access to basic amenities, is being conducted across the country by over 42,000 census workers. However, many citizens, especially those involved in the resistance movement, are concerned about the sensitive nature of the questions and fear reprisals from the military for providing certain information.
Critics believe that organizing a free and fair election in Myanmar’s current state, with ongoing conflict and control of less than half the territory by the military government, would be impossible. The United Nations Population Fund, a key collaborator in previous censuses, has withdrawn support for the 2024 census due to the political strife in the country. China has pledged to provide technical support for the census, as Myanmar estimates a population of over 56 million people. Critics of the military government argue that the census is being used not only for voter registration but also to gather information on individuals for other purposes, including military conscription.
Many individuals, including a nurse and a gym trainer in Yangon, are worried about their safety and potential repercussions from the military if they provide certain details during the census. The trainer believes that authorities are using the survey to identify men who are eligible for military service. With ongoing violence and armed resistance in various parts of the country, the feasibility of holding a legitimate election remains in question. The actions of the military government and the responses of resistance groups to the census highlight the deep divisions and ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
