Over 400 Charged Under Election Law as Myanmar Junta Pushes Third Phase of ‘Sham’ Polls
As the Myanmar military junta prepares for the third phase of its widely condemned “sham” election, official state media reports that 404 individuals have already been charged under the restrictive Election Law.
According to junta-controlled newspapers released today, authorities have opened 331 cases involving 324 men and 80 women. While the military council continues to claim it is conducting a “free and fair” electoral process, the reality on the ground reflects a campaign of legal intimidation. At least 62 people have been arrested simply for criticizing the election, and even candidates participating in the polls have not been spared from legal action.
Among the high-profile cases, U Lwin Myint, a candidate for the People’s Party, was sentenced to one year in prison under Section 58(c) of the Election Law. Meanwhile, Daw Thet Thet Khine, Chairperson of the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), is reportedly facing legal threats from the junta-appointed Election Commission for allegedly meeting with foreign diplomats without official permission.
The junta has handed down particularly severe sentences to activists. In Hlaing Tharyar Township, Ko Yan Naing Kyi Win and Ko Aung Ye Htut were arrested in September 2025 for distributing anti-election literature. They were subsequently charged with multiple offenses and sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison.
The crackdown has also targeted the entertainment industry. Prominent directors and artists, including Maite Tee, Zabu Tun Thet Lwin, Kyaw Win Htut, and Ohn Dine, were sentenced to seven years in prison under Section 23(a) of the Election Law. Similarly, Ko Nay Thway from Taunggyi, the first person arrested under these laws, is also serving a seven-year sentence.
The junta’s multi-phase election began on December 28, 2025. Phase 2 was conducted across 100 townships on January 11, and the upcoming Phase 3 is scheduled to take place in 63 townships on January 25.
Note: This news has been translated and presented using AI.