TAUNGOO------As there have been increased numbers of elderly voters in six townships of Taungoo District, Bago Region, the authorities finding themselves running out of envelopes, according to the Chairman of Taungoo Township election sub-commission.

“The government allowed us to carry out an early voting system due to COVID-19 outbreak. We were overloaded with the works. We do not have enough manpower and equipment. Now, we have to search for envelopes to put the ballot papers for early voting. In accordance with the law, the envelope of advance ballot paper must be sealed. We are now collecting all envelopes across Taungoo Township including the quarantine centers. We only have 25,000 envelopes so far. It is more difficult because of the holidays. We are now giving the first priority to the Quarantine centers and prison cells for early voting systems. We stopped advance voting system of civilians in some wards,” said San Hla, chairman of Taungoo Township election sub-commission.

There are only 26,000 elderly voters in Taungoo Township but non-elderly voters also gave advance votes. Until November 2nd, there already were 23,872 advanced voters in Taungoo Township. 

Early voting system was carried out in six Townships of Taungoo District starting from October 28th. Among six townships, Taungoo saw the mostly elderly voters.

“There are 125 inmates in Taungoo Prison. Moreover, there are eight of COVID-19 patients at the hospital and 21 persons from quarantine centers. Those are eligible voters from Taungoo Township. A team led by the chairman of Township election sub-commission collected advance votes from 154 persons including the prison cells, hospital and quarantine centers on November 3rd,” said San Hla.

There are 195,349 eligible voters except oversea voters and military family members and 193 polling stations in Taungoo Township.