The military council announced on July 29, 2023, a new law titled ‘Law on Protection of Multi-Party Democracy General Elections from Interference, Obstruction, and Destruction.’ Under this law, those found guilty of interfering with or destroying the election process can face penalties ranging from a minimum of three years imprisonment to death penalty. The law stipulates the formation of election security committees from the central level down to state/regional and township levels.
The law prohibits activities aimed at disrupting the election, including making speeches, campaigning, inciting, protesting, and distributing written materials that could undermine the election. The legislation outlines severe punishments for various offenses including threats, obstruction, undue influence, causing injury, causing grievous harm, mass protests, and actions resulting in death. Depending on the severity of the offense, punishments range from three years imprisonment to life imprisonment or death penalty. The military council has made it clear that any form of opposition to their planned election will be met with harsh legal consequences.
The law also mandates that the Ministry of Home Affairs shall be responsible for the security of elected parliamentary representatives and is authorized to issue necessary proclamations, orders, directives, and procedures for election security. This legislation appears to be designed to suppress opposition to the military council’s planned election, reflecting their continued efforts to maintain control through legal mechanisms. The comprehensive nature of the prohibited activities and the severity of the punishments demonstrate the military council’s intention to prevent any meaningful challenge to their electoral process.
