The Myanmar military says it will prosecute 229 people under a July law that criminalises criticism and disruption of the December 28 elections. Rights groups and the UN call the ballots a "sham," and opposition forces say they will block voting where they control territory. The law carries harsh penalties — convictions can mean up to 10 years in prison, with some offences punishable by up to 20 years — adding to more than 22,000 people already jailed for political reasons.
Myanmar Junta Moves To Prosecute 229 Over Alleged Election 'Disruption' As New Law Tightens Grip
Myanmar's junta said Wednesday it was pursuing prosecutions of more than 200 people for "disruption" of upcoming military-run elections (Sai Aung MAIN)(Sai Aung MAIN/AFP/AFP)
Myanmar's ruling military said on Wednesday it is seeking prosecutions against 229 people accused of "disruption" connected to the upcoming military-run elections, invoking a July law rights groups say is designed to crush dissent.
The junta is promoting phased voting beginning on 28 December as a path to reconciliation, even as opposition forces plan to block ballots in areas they control and international observers have dismissed the polls as a pretext for perpetuating military rule.
New Law and Heavy Penalties
The July legislation was framed to protect the vote from "obstruction, disruption and destruction." Its provisions criminalise criticism or protest aimed at the election and impose harsh penalties: convictions under some measures can carry up to 10 years in prison, while offences such as damaging ballot materials or intimidating voters, candidates or election staff carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Enforcement, Arrests and Examples
Junta home affairs minister Tun Tun Naung, speaking to state media, said the 229 people are being pursued for "attempting to sabotage election processes." Some named suspects are believed to be fugitives — activists and rebel fighters operating beyond junta control — so not all are in custody.
Authorities have reportedly arrested people for social media activity as minor as posting a "heart" emoji on Facebook posts critical of the vote. In one case a man was jailed for seven years with hard labour over a Facebook post questioning the election; in another, three artists were detained after they criticised a pro-election film.
Human rights monitors, including the UN's special rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews, have described the ballots as a "sham," pointing to restrictions on free speech and other barriers to a credible vote. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says more than 22,000 people are already jailed on political grounds, among them Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Security Context
While moving to stifle dissent in areas it controls, the junta has also stepped up offensives to seize more territory ahead of the phased polls. Official results from the staggered elections are expected around the end of January 2026.
Reporting note: statements attributed to the junta were made via state media. The situation on the ground remains fluid, and some alleged suspects are beyond junta reach.
