A resident of Taunggyi, Ko Nay Thway, has been charged under the law protecting multi-party democracy general elections after criticizing the security situation in Lashio, Northern Shan State, following a daytime car robbery incident. The incident occurred on August 23 at around 6:30 PM in Ward 5 of Lashio city, where two men on a motorcycle approached a female resident’s car, threatened her with firearms, and stole the vehicle. Following this incident, Ko Nay Thway posted criticism on social media regarding the lack of security in Lashio.
In his social media posts, Ko Nay Thway criticized that while the military council was pushing people to vote, they were neglecting security matters. He stated that the council only wanted people’s votes while failing to address fundamental security concerns. The military council interpreted these posts on his Facebook account ‘Lashio Baegyi’ as attempts to disrupt the upcoming 2025 multi-party democratic general election and subsequently filed charges against him under Section 23(a) of the law protecting multi-party democracy general elections. Ko Nay Thway, who resides in Ward 1 of Aythaya Town, Taunggyi Township, is currently being detained at the Aythaya Police Station.
The military council enacted this new law on July 29 to protect their planned elections, which includes provisions for punishments ranging from a minimum of three years imprisonment to death penalty for those found guilty of disrupting the election process. The law also establishes election security committees at various levels, from central to state/regional and township levels. According to police sources, this case against Ko Nay Thway marks the first instance of prosecution under this new election law. The law specifically prohibits any actions, including speeches, organizing, incitement, protests, or written distribution of materials that could potentially disrupt the election process or any part of it. Violations can result in imprisonment from three to seven years, along with possible monetary fines, and in more severe cases involving threats, obstruction, or causing death, penalties can escalate to life imprisonment or capital punishment.
