Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Myanmar Begins Pilot Census Amid Surveillance Concerns

POSTED ON October 1, 2023 •   World      BY Segun Adewole •   VIEWS 100
The military junta in Myanmar has declared the commencement of a pilot census in 20 townships across the nation, a move that critics fear will be exploited to enhance surveillance of dissenters. This step comes as the military continues to justify its 2021 coup, citing unverified allegations of widespread fraud in the 2020 elections, which were convincingly won by civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). The junta authorities have argued that a national census must be conducted before new elections, which the government has hinted might occur in 2025. According to the junta's statement, the census will be conducted from October 1 to 15, 2023, in 20 townships chosen from Naypyidaw and other regions, without specifying the exact areas. These 20 townships are considered a sample for the larger nationwide census scheduled for 2024. Reports from state media indicate that the pilot census has already commenced in the Karen, Bago, and Mandalay regions. However, the military has not disclosed the specific locations within these regions where the pilot census will occur. Critics argue that the junta is likely to exploit the census as a means to intensify surveillance of opponents, including civil servants, doctors, and teachers who have refrained from returning to work in protest against the coup. Myanmar remains deeply divided, with ongoing conflicts causing daily bomb blasts and violence. The military has acknowledged its limited control over certain areas. The United Nations reports that over 1.6 million people are currently displaced due to the violence that has plagued Myanmar since the coup. The United States has firmly denounced any elections organized by the junta as a "sham," while analysts warn that such polls would become targets for the military's opponents and could lead to further violence. Russia, however, has expressed support for the junta's election plans and signed a memorandum of "cooperation in election activities" with Myanmar last month. Additionally, Myanmar has plans to introduce an electronic identification system, though this was not mentioned in the official statement. This scheme aims to collect biographic and biometric data from citizens aged 10 and above. Myanmar has reportedly sought assistance from China, a key ally known for its vast internal surveillance network, in implementing this program.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
US pledges $157m humanitarian aid to Lebanon, Syria amid crisis
BY Benedicta Bassey October 5, 2024 0

The United States on Saturday said it will provide nearly $157 million humanitarian aid to assist po...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Israel strikes hit Hezbollah Intelligence headquarters in Beirut as tension mount
BY Benedicta Bassey October 5, 2024 0

Fresh Israel airstrike on Saturday hit the intelligence headquarters of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Bei...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Russia, Ukraine in word battle over Nigeria’s protests
BY Benedicta Bassey October 5, 2024 0

Following the recent Protest in Nigeria to mark the 64th Independence anniversary on October 1st, Ru...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Don't toughen criminal penalties against marital rape, India govt tells S'Court
BY Benedicta Bassey October 4, 2024 0

India’s government has ordered the country's top court not to toughen criminal penalties again...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Harris, Trump brace for tougher White House race
BY Benedicta Bassey October 4, 2024 0

As the November presidential election draws near in the United States, the race to the White House s...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
World Bank redirects funds to Lebanon emergency aid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara October 4, 2024 0

The World Bank stated on Thursday that it would redirect funds initially allocated for development i...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Gold prices climb on safe-haven demand; US payrolls data in focus
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara October 4, 2024 0

Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by safe-haven demand arising from the Middle East conflict,...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
China eyes electric vehicle manufacturing in Saudi Arabia
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara October 4, 2024 0

China’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, has expressed Beijing’s hopes to strength...

OUR CHANNELS:

OTHER ARTICLES ::

6th October, 2024
US pledges $157m humanitarian aid to Lebanon, Syria amid crisis
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

The United States on Saturday said it will provide nearly $157 million humanitarian aid to assist po...


Israel strikes hit Hezbollah Intelligence headquarters in Beirut as tension mount
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

Fresh Israel airstrike on Saturday hit the intelligence headquarters of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Bei...


Over 70 killed in violence gang attack in Haiti
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

Over 70 people including children have been killed after an armed gang attacked a small town in Hait...


Flood: Gov Zulum requests N61bn supplementary budget for Repair
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, following the devastating flood that submerged over half...


Explosion hits Rivers APC secretariat as LG poll holds
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

An explosion suspected to be dynamite shattered the secreteriat of the All Progressive Congress, alo...


Actress Toyin Abraham refutes debt allegation
BY Ebiakuboere England October 6, 2024 0

Nollywood actress and Filmmaker, Toyin Abraham has refuted debt allegations by a fashion designer wh...


CBN sells $543.5m FX to approved banks for market stability
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria hinted that it sold $543.5m at the rate of N1,540 and N1,580 to authoris...


Tupac's family set to investigate Diddy's connection to singer's death
BY Ebiakuboere England October 6, 2024 0

A New York lawyer, Alex Spiro has announced that the late rapper Tupac Shakur's family has engaged h...


Nigeria Unveils contactless app to boost passports processing and ease collection
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

Nigeria has unveiled a contactless passport processing App in Abuja to ease the hassle of physically...


FG expresses commitment to improving teacher's welfare
BY Benedicta Bassey October 6, 2024 0

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has reiterated federal government’s commitment...


Menu