Myanmars Ghost Town Votes in Second Phase of National Election

Myanmar’s Hpapun Town Abandoned Amid Ongoing Conflict

Hpapun, a former regional hub in eastern Myanmar, has been largely abandoned due to ongoing fighting between the army and rebel groups. The town, which once boasted its own airport, is now a ghost town with many businesses and homes destroyed or reclaimed by the jungle.

According to reports, voting will take place at a Tactical Command post approximately 10km from the town, but access is restricted due to landmines and government soldiers. The election has been criticized as sham-like, with some groups claiming it is designed to maintain power seized by the military junta.

Displacement of civilians continues, with an estimated 3.5 million voters unable to participate in the election due to forced displacement. Aye Thu Zar, a displaced resident, expressed her reluctance to vote, stating she had not heard about the election and was unsure if it would be held in their remote area.

In contrast, Myanmar’s most populated city, Yangon, has seen relatively low turnout in the first phase of the election, with local officials estimating as few as 35 percent of voters participating. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed by the military, is expected to win the second phase of voting.

The situation in Hpapun highlights the ongoing impact of conflict on civilians, while the outcome of the election remains uncertain due to restricted access and limited information.

Source: Al Jazeera