Good policing during the upcoming elections is essential. The MYPOL Project is working with the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) to provide guidance and support to encourage a safe and secure democratic process.
The MPF will train more than 40,000 special police across Myanmar to assist with this year’s elections. MYPOL has developed the Election Guidance Booklet for Coaches and Trainers to help these additional personnel receive the best possible training. The aim of the guide is to ensure that the special police trained by MPF officers are fully aware of their role and responsibilities in securing polling stations to protect the rights, freedoms and safety of voters, candidates, observers and polling station staff.
The Election Guidance Booklet for Coaches and Trainers outlines several key aspects of policing during the election: the polling station process, protecting the freedoms and human rights of all those involved, respecting the role of the media and providing a safe and secure environment, especially for women.
The guide also underscores the value of remaining neutral and impartial while carrying out policing duties, the importance of not using force except when absolutely necessary (and ensuring that such force is proportionate and lawful) and respecting the role and authority of polling staff. There is specific advice on how police can be proactive by diffusing tensions before a situation becomes a problem and taking the necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
The guide is also accompanied by a video tutorial that will be available to police online. The guide and the video will be available to police from 1 October 2020. MYPOL also provided classroom equipment and Personal Protection Equipment to Yangon police to help ensure effective and safe trainings. The classroom equipment – ranging from flipcharts to notebooks and pens – will create a high standard learning environment for trainees and PPE will help protect both trainers and trainees from spreading COVID-19.
MYPOL is five-year, European Union-funded project to assist the MPF in becoming a modern police service centred on international best practices and respect for human rights. The project works directly with the MPF by conducting trainings, providing expertise and giving advice on how to modernise different aspects of policing. MYPOL also works with Parliament, civil society organisations and Myanmar’s media to improve their relationships with the MPF. MYPOL’s work has continued throughout COVID-19 as the project is committed to helping Myanmar face the challenges of the pandemic and ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.
As an EU-funded project, MYPOL supports a free and fair election process in Myanmar. A trusted police service is a key part of the country’s democratic transition. The November elections represent an opportunity for the MPF to showcase its efforts to modernise and operate according to international policing standards. MYPOL will continue to support the MPF in these efforts and welcomes the outcomes of a free, fair and secure election process.
