Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party conducted voter training sessions in her constituency on the weekend, teaching people how to avoid invalidating their ballots.

NLD staff went from door to door, showing people sample ballot papers and where to place the stamp.

“In the village most of the people cannot read, the elderly people cannot listen to the instructions given on television [because of hearing problems]. This area has alot of supporters for the NLD,” said Kyi Kyi Win, campaign manager in Rangoon’s Kawhmu Township.

The elections on 8 November are seen as a test of the country’s transition from military rule. After ruling for 49 years, the military in 2011 established a semi-civilian government, freed hundreds of political prisoners and opened up the economy.

More than 90 parties will take part in elections for a national parliament and assemblies in 14 states and regions, billed as the country’s first free and fair polls in 25 years.

President Thein Sein’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the NLD are dominating the campaign.

“We want to win this election, so we will go house by house to teach them how to vote.” said Kyi Kyi Win.

NLD staff demonstrated how to press a stamp in the box on the ballot paper and informed villagers of the party symbol.

[related]

“I just learned how to stamp on box number five. The symbol is the peacock. That’s what I know,” said 80-year-old Aye Thein.

“I don’t want to invalidate my vote, so I came here to learn. I have to stamp inside the blank. I should not stamp outside the box. If I make a mistake, I can request for just one new ballot paper one time” said 33-year-old Nyein Chan.

Having won a by-election in Kawhmu in 2012 that marked her re-entry into the political arena at the head of Burma’s largest party, Suu Kyi is expected to retain the seat easily.