Myanmar Begins Pilot Census Amid Surveillance Concerns

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.