Abuses against civilians worsens in Myanmar amid election preparations

(MENAFN) Abuses against civilians are worsening across Myanmar as preparations continue for elections overseen by the military later this month, according to assessments cited by international observers. Reports indicate a sharp rise in violence, intimidation, and repression, with ordinary people facing pressure not only from state authorities but also from armed factions opposed to military rule.

Human rights officials have called for an immediate end to coercive measures associated with the planned vote, warning that force and fear are being used to influence public participation. One senior official stressed: "The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to compel people to vote, and stop arresting people for expressing any dissenting views," underscoring concerns over widespread violations.

According to information released by monitoring bodies, dozens of individuals have been detained under an so-called “election protection law” simply for exercising their right to free expression. In some cases, punishments have been exceptionally harsh. This includes several young people from Hlaingthaya Township in the Yangon area who were handed prison terms ranging from more than four decades after displaying posters opposing the vote.

Well-known cultural figures have also been targeted. Reports say that a film director, an actor, and a comedian were each sentenced to seven years in prison on charges related to damaging public confidence, following their criticism of a promotional film supporting the election.

Accounts from internally displaced communities suggest that pressure has extended beyond arrests. Displaced residents in multiple regions, including areas around Mandalay, reportedly received warnings that failure to return home to cast ballots would result in further attacks or the confiscation of their property. One testimony described the threat bluntly: "They are saying to the internally displaced: 'You guys come back to the town (to vote). If you do not come back, we will continue to bomb you.'"

Human rights officials have emphasized that compelling displaced civilians to return under such conditions breaches international standards. As one official noted: "Forcing displaced people to undertake unsafe and involuntary returns is a human rights violation."

At the same time, armed groups opposed to the military have also engaged in intimidation and violence. Reports from recent weeks describe the abduction of teachers and bomb attacks targeting election-related facilities in Yangon, incidents that left several election workers injured and further heightened fears surrounding the upcoming vote.

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