At least 25 more Myanmar citizens charged under new ‘Election Protection Law’

Regime media reported on Monday that at least 25 more citizens, including 22 Karen National Union (KNU) members in Thaton District – also known by the Karen as Doothahtoo District – in Mon State, have been charged under the new “Election Protection Law.” 

This brings the total number of cases of alleged “election disruption” brought before regime-controlled courts to 120. 

An unspecified number of People’s Defence Force (PDF) members in Sinphyukyun town of Magway Region, and operators of the “Assistance Association for Myanmar-based Independent Journalists (AAMIJ) News” Facebook page, have also been charged under the law, which was enacted on July 29.

If convicted, the law carries a minimum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum sentence of death.

DVB has documented that 95 citizens have been charged under this law since its enactment in July, with 24 of them having been arrested as of Nov. 7 (see infographics below). 

Nay Thway, a resident of the Shan State capital Taunggyi, was sentenced to seven years in prison for allegedly criticizing the elections on Sept. 9.

Three film directors and two actors were arrested on Oct. 31 for allegedly criticizing an election campaign video created and shared to social media by the Union Election Commission (UEC) on Oct. 28 – the first day of campaigning for political parties.

Data for Myanmar, a research organization, has documented that at least 1,993 citizens have been arrested for criticizing the military on social media and expressing support for anti-military groups since February 2022.

Zaw Min Tun, the regime spokesperson, told pro-regime media on Nov. 10 that elections are an “internal affair” and that “no foreign influence or interference can disrupt them.”

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated on Nov. 8 that the regime’s 2025-26 elections “do not meet” the criteria of transparency, freedom, inclusion, and credibility required for recognition.

New Zealand’s parliament rejected the regime elections, saying that they cannot be considered “free, fair, or credible” on Nov. 5.

Fifty-seven political parties registered with the UEC. Six parties, including the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), will contest the elections nationwide beginning on Dec. 28. 

The UEC stated that polls will continue on Jan. 11, 2026 and conclude on an unspecified date in late January. Elections are scheduled to be held in 274 of Myanmar’s total 330 townships.