The Union Election Commission (UEC), which operates under the military junta, is sending mass SMS messages through local telecom operators urging public participation in the upcoming election.
According to those who have received the text messages, links are provided to information about Phase One of the nationwide multi-party general election.
The election is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.
In addition, the SMS alerts remind displaced residents that if they wish to cast advance ballots in their original constituencies, they must apply using Form 15 which can be obtained at their township election sub-commission office by October 12.
A Mon youth told IMNA that the UEC is relying on state-controlled telecom operators, radio, and television to reach people, as it cannot campaign directly on the ground. However, he said these efforts are ineffective.
“It’s unsafe for them to campaign on the ground, and they’re worried about security. So they’re using this method to reach people’s ears. But no matter how much they do it, it won’t be effective. This election is just for show,” he said.
SMS messages have been received by users of Atom, MPT, Mytel, and Ooredoo, with particular emphasis on urging displaced people to apply for advance voting.
A displaced villager from Kawkareik said most internally displaced people are struggling to survive and cannot focus on voting in an election that brings no benefits.
“No one is interested. I don’t know about those abroad, but even locals aren’t interested. For displaced people like us, survival is already hard enough. If candidates offer gifts or cash near the election that might influence some people who otherwise won’t get involved,” he said.
The UEC has been issuing daily election reminders. On September 30th, it released the first round of voter lists at ward and village tract offices, but locals said almost no one came to check for their names.
Election monitors note that while most people do not want to participate because of security concerns and distrust, the military junta may still apply pressure to force voter turnout.
