Since the military coup, social media users who have been critical of the military are constantly being arrested. Now, in what is often referred to as the ‘sham election’ period, both online and offline surveillance and arrests have intensified, raising serious concerns about the state of freedom of expression.
According to information released by the military commission, between the enactment of the “Election Disruption Prevention Law” on July 29th and the end of October, 83 men and 5 women have been prosecuted for allegedly disrupting the military-organized election.
Many have been charged under this law for posting comments and writings about the election on social media, or for tearing down photos and posters.
Pro-military Telegram channels have even urged authorities to arrest people who merely react to posts that criticize the election, causing arrests to increase.
A young Mon resident from Kyaik In Seik Gyi said people now fear that their online comments are being monitored, so they avoid using any words related to the election.
“At times like these, we have to be extremely careful with what we say. If you mistakenly comment on election-related issues, it can be dangerous for you. Online is even worse—just posting or commenting could get you monitored. Anything related to the election must be treated cautiously,” the youth said.
Those arrested under accusations of election disruption include not only ordinary civilians but also many well-known artists.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that is crucial for democracy and for society.
The growing fear and silence among the public is exactly the environment the military wants—an atmosphere in which people are intimidated into silence while the junta forces through its illegitimate election.
A human rights activist added that not only the public but also political party candidates cannot speak freely under the current circumstances.
“It’s not just the general public—political party members and candidates, including Mon, Pa-O, and Karen parties, all have to restrain themselves. We can’t even talk about democracy or basic rights. Citizens’ rights, political rights, the right to express one’s stance—losing these two core rights is the worst,” the activist said.
U Lwin Myint, a candidate from the People’s Party, who mentioned the phrase “2021 Revolution,” has recently faced heavy criticism and accusations on pro-military Telegram channels, branding him as someone supporting terrorism. It is believed he may be questioned by the authorities soon.
A youth from Kyike Hto Township said people in towns and villages dare not mention anything about military-backed parties, and the 2025 election is essentially stripping them of their rights, with no element of real democracy.
“We don’t even have our basic rights. This is an election where we are forced to vote out of fear. Whether it’s a party we like or dislike, we are too scared to express anything on social media. On the street, in the neighborhood, or at the market—talking about politics feels unsafe. With this election law, they can throw anyone in prison anytime, so we don’t dare speak at all,” he said.
Caught between the junta’s election laws on one side and warnings from revolutionary forces not to support the election on the other, the public is experiencing widespread intimidation.
During an election meeting held on October 31st, the junta-appointed Minister of Home Affairs said they would continue investigating and taking action against anyone encouraging election boycotts or spreading dissent aimed at disrupting the election.
According to a report from Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), in the past three months, the election commission—using both technological and in-person surveillance—has arrested 47 people for expressing themselves freely online.
On November 5th, a resident from Chaungzon Township was also charged under the Election Disruption Law for tearing down lists of candidates posted at the Kwan Rite Village Administration Office.
In addition to using election laws to suppress freedom of expression, the junta continues to cut communication networks and employ new methods to silence the public.
