Myanmar Election Proceeds Amidst Escalating Repression and Allegations of War Crimes
As Myanmar prepares for the first phase of junta-imposed elections this weekend, a disturbing pattern of unlawful attacks, potentially constituting war crimes, and a dramatic surge in arbitrary detentions are emerging, according to reports. These actions coincide with a severe crackdown on freedom of expression, casting a dark shadow over the electoral process.
The military regime’s enactment in July of the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections effectively criminalizes dissent, punishing any speech or action perceived as inciting violence against the election or its workers. Penalties range from three years imprisonment to life in prison, or even the death penalty, demonstrating the junta’s ruthless determination to suppress opposition.
“This election, orchestrated by the junta, stands in stark contrast to the relatively democratic elections held in Myanmar in 2015 and 2020,” stated Joe Freeman, Myanmar Researcher at Amnesty International. “While 2015 offered a glimmer of hope for peace and human rights, the current climate is defined by despair, characterized by war crimes, widespread arrests, and pervasive surveillance.”
Many within Myanmar vehemently oppose these elections, fearing they will solidify the power of those responsible for five years of unlawful killings and human rights abuses, shielding them from accountability and justice.
Election Law Weaponized to Silence Dissent
While the junta claims its election law is intended to safeguard workers, equipment, and the integrity of the electoral process, evidence suggests it has been weaponized to intensify repressive tactics. Criticism of any kind, including social media posts and reactions, is now subject to severe punishment.
Military-controlled media reports that at least 229 individuals have been charged under the law since its passage for allegedly “attempting to sabotage election processes.” Those detained include artists and individuals distributing anti-election materials, as reported by The Straits Times.
In September, a man in Shan State received a seven-year sentence with hard labor for voicing criticism of the election. Early December saw the arrest of a man near Yangon for a Facebook message condemning the vote, and another for damaging an election billboard. Reports also indicate that individuals in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are being coerced into voting under threat of losing essential aid, as detailed by The Irrawaddy.
Out of 330 townships nationwide, an estimated 56 are currently under martial law, effectively barring voting in those areas, according to the UN human rights office. The National League for Democracy, the victor in both the 2015 and 2020 elections, has been dissolved, and its leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint, remain in detention.
Escalating Violence and Attacks on Civilians
Air strikes in Myanmar are projected to reach record levels in 2025 compared to any year since the 2021 coup. In areas of armed conflict, where the junta seeks to establish control for voting purposes, attacks have increased since the election date was announced. The UN stated this month that these attacks “seem intentioned to regain key contested areas where elections have been announced to take place”.
Amnesty International has documented a particularly egregious attack: a deadly bombing carried out using a manned paraglider at a festival in central Myanmar, where people had gathered to protest the election. Civilians, including children, were killed when mortars were dropped from the paraglider. On December 10th, the military bombed a hospital operated by the Arakan Army in Rakhine State’s Mrauk-U township, continuing a disturbing pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, since the coup, as reported by Amnesty International UK.
What does this escalating violence suggest about the junta’s true intentions for this election? And how can the international community effectively respond to protect the rights of the Myanmar people?
Amnesty International is urging the international community to prioritize human rights abuses related to this election and to focus on holding perpetrators accountable. Specifically, they call for a suspension of jet fuel shipments to Myanmar and the pursuit of arrest warrants for Min Aung Hlaing and other junta officials by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Background: The Coup and its Aftermath
Following the military coup nearly five years ago, the Myanmar junta – officially known as the State Security and Peace Commission – is attempting to legitimize its rule through elections, with the first round scheduled for December 28th, followed by subsequent rounds in January.
The coup, launched on February 1, 2021, was met with widespread resistance across the nation, resulting in large portions of the country falling under the control of armed groups and pro-democracy forces. Since the coup, the military has been accused of killing at least 7,000 civilians, though the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. The ongoing conflict has disproportionately impacted marginalized groups, including the Rohingya, further eroding their rights.
The situation in Myanmar remains deeply concerning, with the upcoming elections serving as a potential flashpoint for further violence and repression. For more information on the ongoing crisis, consider exploring resources from Human Rights Watch and The International Crisis Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern surrounding the Myanmar elections?
The primary concern is that the elections are being conducted under conditions of severe repression, with the junta using the electoral process to further consolidate its power and silence dissent.
What is the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections?
This law, passed by the junta in July, criminalizes any speech or action that could be interpreted as opposing the election or its workers, carrying extremely harsh penalties, including the death penalty.
How has the UN responded to the situation in Myanmar?
The UN has expressed serious concerns about the elections and has documented escalating violence and human rights abuses, particularly in areas where voting is planned.
What is Amnesty International calling for in response to the elections?
Amnesty International is urging the international community to prioritize accountability for human rights abuses, suspend jet fuel shipments to Myanmar, and pursue arrest warrants for junta leaders through the International Criminal Court.
What happened to the National League for Democracy?
The National League for Democracy, the winner of the 2015 and 2020 elections, has been dissolved by the junta, and its leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, remain detained.
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