The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) sent a complaint to the Union Election Commission on November 10 accusing the National League for Democracy (NLD) of helping make fake national registration cards for being able to vote, paying Ks50,000 to get votes and casting advance votes on behalf of those who were outside of their native constituency in Leshi Township of Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, said region (2) candidate Shi Thee representing the USDP. 

The complaint points out accepting advance votes that arrived after the deadline, helping make fake national registration cards for voters to be able to vote at Kainglonywama polling station and paying Ks50,000 to local voters in Phunthayet Village to vote for the NLD.  

“Moreover, advance votes were cast on behalf of those who had already travelled to other areas. Twenty four votes for the USDP at Sonmara No (1) polling station were discarded just because of a little ink stain of the UEC seal on the ballot papers. Pamphlets with fake data were distributed in Region (2) so that people could not vote. They also organized the people in Konkailonywama Village saying that they would have access to electricity if they voted for the NLD,” Shi Thee said.  

Than Than Win, secretary of Naga Self-Administered Zone Election Sub-commission, said the poll officer would decide on the matter of discarded or secure votes while other issues are up to the police. While the polling station officer is making a decision, a polling station representative or special representative has the right to oppose, she said. 

She also added that as per the election law, a complaint can be filed to the Union Election Commission for a tribunal with firm evidence within 45 days after the announcement of the parliamentary representatives.    

“I have told them if they are not satisfied with that, they can complain to the police if it is the police case. The issues that arose at the polling station, the poll officer will decide. During the decision period, polling station representatives can show their opposition. For any voting fraud, they can open a case at the police station if they have strong evidence. They can complain to the election tribunal. We cannot do anything now because the ballot boxes sealed by the poll officer cannot be opened at all,” Than Than Win said.  

In the general election held on November 8, the USDP won seats in Kalaywa Township Constituency No (2), Lehe Township Constituency No (1) and lower house constituency in Sagaing Region.