Local Motor Bikers Forced to Work for Government Poll Campaigning

POLL FORCE - Motor bike owners around the Namsarn and Man Tong townships are being forced to transport local authorities for the "Yes" poll campaign until the end of the referendum on May 10.

Six villages between Namsarn and Man tong townships, Rumaing, Man Laow, Namlinn, Lone Htawt and others are being forced to drive the poll organizers for at least 3 days. Drivers had to fill their own oil and drive (take) the local authorities from one village to another.

When motor bike drivers refused to drive the poll campaigners, they were punished. It is currently the tea-picking season and the Palaung people must work hard now to earn money. They are not available to drive local authorities, but they are forced to.

As the price of tea is falling this year, it is difficult for the Palaung people to earn enough money from picking tea.

All local authorities have been promoting the "YES" vote for the new constitution in villages. This constitution is not democratic, but the government misleads people to believe it is.

Palaung’s Working Group Against SPDC’s Referendum

Contact person

Mai Aik Phone- (66)084-8072900

Lway Cherry - (66)086-9181256