Regime deploys heavy security in three Arakan townships ahead of election

By Admin 27 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

27 December 2025, Sittwe

Residents say junta soldiers and police have been deployed across Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships in Arakan State, areas under the control of Myanmar’s military regime, ahead of Sunday’s election.

In Sittwe, junta soldiers and police have been stationed in crowded areas and residential neighbourhoods, including schools where polling stations are located. Security has been tightened, with personnel closely monitoring pedestrians.

“There are polling stations in every neighbourhood where there are schools. About 10 to 20 security police are stationed outside the schools. Inside the polling stations, many junta soldiers are responsible for security. They are waiting with guns,” said a woman in Sittwe.

Residents also reported that all party campaign signs in Sittwe have been removed, while authorities are urging people to vote.

In Manaung Township, polling stations have been set up in schools and government buildings across five urban wards, with junta soldiers and police maintaining tight security.

“In Manaung, polling stations have been established in schools and government buildings in five urban wards. Security is tight. Polling stations are filled with junta soldiers in uniform and carrying weapons. Since the voting machines arrived, two police officers and two soldiers have been guarding each machine,” said a Manaung resident.

Locals in Manaung said there is little interest in the election and no discussion among residents about voting. Some also said the military regime is expecting a 100 percent electoral victory in the township.

In Kyaukphyu, security has been tightened at polling stations in the town. However, residents said fighting between the military regime and the Arakan Army continues outside the township.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party, Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), Rakhine State National Unity Party (RSUNP), Khami National Development Party, Mro National Party, and Mro National Development Party (MNDP) will contest the junta-sponsored election.

Of the three townships under military control, elections will not be held across entire townships. Authorities have announced that voting will not take place in Kisapa Ward and 17 village tracts in Sittwe, or in five wards and 48 village tracts of Sanae Town in Kyaukphyu Township.

“Ann, Taungup and Gwa townships, which the military regime previously expected to include, are not on the list of townships where elections will be held. Because these townships are being targeted, a large number of security forces will definitely be deployed. The regime wants to use elections in these areas to restore its reputation in Arakan State,” said an Arakanese election observer.

A total of 195,888 voters are expected to cast ballots in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung, with 164 polling stations established.

The military regime will hold the first phase of its election on December 28 in 102 townships. Phase two is scheduled for January 11, 2026, in 100 townships, followed by phase three in 63 townships.

According to the regime’s announcement, elections will be held in only 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, leaving 65 townships without voting. Among them are 14 townships in Arakan State under the control of the Arakan Army.

International and domestic revolutionary forces have opposed the junta-organised election, describing it as a sham aimed at prolonging military rule.