The upcoming elections in Myanmar are causing great concern for the United Nations human rights office, OHCHR. Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for OHCHR, addressed reporters in Geneva, highlighting the challenges and threats surrounding the military-controlled ballot scheduled to begin on 28 December. Laurence described the environment as “rife with threats and violence” and noted the active suppression of political participation.
According to Laurence, many major political parties have been excluded from the elections, and over 30,000 political opponents, including members of the democratically elected government and political representatives, have been detained since the 2021 coup. He expressed his skepticism about the elections leading to a political transition towards stability and the restoration of democratic and civilian rule. Rather, Laurence believes that the process will exacerbate insecurity, fear, and polarization throughout the country.
The primary concern for OHCHR is to end the violence and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to those in need. Civilians in Myanmar find themselves caught in the middle of a political tug-of-war between the military’s pressure to vote and armed opposition groups’ aggressive efforts to prevent participation. James Rodehaver, head of OHCHR’s Myanmar team, spoke from Bangkok, emphasizing the challenging situation facing civilians in the lead-up to the elections.
Rodehaver noted that the junta had claimed to issue 4,000 pardons for individuals charged or convicted of sedition or incitement. However, the reality does not match the announcements made by the military. Only about 550 people out of the roughly 4,000 convicted individuals were seen leaving detention centers, while others were freed only to be rearrested. Additionally, the military has boasted of arresting over 100 individuals under newly imposed “election protection rules.”
OHCHR received credible information about three young people being sentenced to 49 years in prison for hanging posters depicting a ballot box with a bullet. Rodehaver also raised concerns about the electronic-only voting system introduced in Myanmar, coupled with expanded surveillance using artificial intelligence and biometric tracking. He warned that these measures could further undermine trust in the electoral process.
Humanitarian access in Myanmar is deteriorating, with civilians being forced to return to villages to vote despite insecurity. The military continues to block aid to conflict-affected areas, leaving nearly 23,000 people in detention who should not have been arrested in the first place. Despite the military’s portrayal of the elections as a sign of the crisis ending, the Secretary-General warned in October that under current conditions, any elections risk further exclusion and instability.
The UN rights officials highlighted the challenges facing millions of displaced individuals across Myanmar, who are now sheltering in IDP camps due to fighting and disasters. These individuals are particularly vulnerable amidst the ongoing political turmoil in the country. Additionally, the independent rights expert on Myanmar issued a stark warning about the junta’s election plans, labeling them as a “charade” that could further exacerbate the crisis in the country.
In conclusion, the upcoming elections in Myanmar are fraught with challenges and threats, as highlighted by the United Nations human rights office and independent experts. The military-controlled ballot, scheduled to begin on 28 December, is expected to further entrench insecurity, fear, and polarization throughout the country. The suppression of political participation, detention of political opponents, and lack of humanitarian access are major concerns that need to be addressed to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process in Myanmar.
