08/10/2020
MYPOL project is working with the Myanmar police to train 40,000 agents for the coming elections
Several agents next to the medical supplies
Good policing during the upcoming Myanmar elections will be essential to ensure the smooth running of the democratic process. For this reason, the MYPOL cooperation project, managed by FIIAPP, is working with the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) to provide guidance and support to police corps and foster a safe democratic process.
The MPF is currently training more than 40,000 Myanmar police officers to work during this year’s elections, which will take place in November. The role of the European Union financed MYPOL project in this process has been to prepare an electoral orientation guide for police trainers and thus encourage the personnel of the security police forces to receive the best possible training.
The purpose of the document is to ensure that police forces are fully aware of their role and responsibilities in the security of polling stations to protect the rights, freedoms, and security of voters, candidates, observers, and polling station personnel.
The Election Orientation Guide for the Coaching and Training Team describes several key aspects of policing during elections: the polling station process, the protection of human rights and freedoms, respect for the role of the media, and the provision of a safe environment, especially for women.
This tool developed by MYPOL also underscores the value of remaining neutral and impartial while carrying out police tasks. In addition, it includes specific advice on how the police can be proactive in defusing tensions before a situation escalates into conflict, and it explains the necessary precautions to take against the spread of COVID-19.
MYPOL has also provided classroom health and work supplies to the Yangon Police to help ensure effective and safe training.
As a European project, MYPOL supports a free and fair electoral process in Myanmar. The November elections represent an opportunity for the MPF to show its efforts to modernise and operate in accordance with international policing standards. MYPOL will continue to support the MPF in these efforts and welcomes the results of a free, fair and safe election process.
