Myanmar’s military government has initiated a nationwide census that is perceived as a tactic to gather information on its adversaries. The census aims to compile voter lists for an upcoming general election promised for the following year, despite ongoing civil unrest across various regions of the country.
The census workers, predominantly schoolteachers and local administrative staff, have commenced the door-to-door survey in the capital, Naypyitaw, accompanied by security forces. The shadow National Unity Government, a leading anti-military rule organization, has cautioned the populace to exercise prudence in participating in the census, while pro-democracy fighters have issued warnings of potential repercussions for those assisting in data collection.
The military government’s objective with the census is widely believed to be seeking to validate its authority, established after it seized control from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military regime, emphasised in a televised address that the census data collected from October 1 to 15 is pivotal for creating voter lists for the upcoming election, without specifying a precise election date.
The census comprises 68 inquiries encompassing household demographics, education levels, disabilities, housing conditions, and access to basic amenities like water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. Additionally, sensitive topics such as family backgrounds, absences of family members, and causes of family deaths are included, posing concerns for individuals associated with anti-regime movements and armed conflicts.
The census has sparked fear and apprehension among various groups, with individuals expressing worries about potential repercussions, including punishment by the military based on the information gathered. The junta’s activation of conscription earlier this year adds to the concerns, as the military seeks to bolster its forces amidst resistance from pro-democracy factions and ethnic militias vying for autonomy.
Critics have raised doubts about the feasibility of conducting a free and fair election in a nation plagued by internal strife and armed conflicts. Rebel groups have issued warnings against cooperation with the military-led census efforts, citing risks associated with supporting activities linked to the regime. The lack of external support, exemplified by the UN Population Fund’s withdrawal due to political turmoil, further complicates the credibility and neutrality of the census process.
As Myanmar navigates through a tumultuous period marked by military rule and civil dissent, the census stands as a contentious tool wielded by the government to consolidate power and monitor dissenting voices, raising concerns about transparency and impartiality in the country’s political landscape.