Myanmar’s digital coup rigging the election before it begins

Introduction

The digital space plays a crucial role in modern electoral processes, especially in contexts like Myanmar, where the media landscape is tightly controlled, and online platforms remain one of the few avenues to access information. This report highlights how the military’s attacks on internet access and digital freedoms will further undermine the military’s plan to hold an election in 2025, which it claims will be free and fair.

Human Rights Myanmar’s submission addresses the UN Special Rapporteur’s inquiry into freedom of expression and elections in the digital age, focusing on issues likely to emerge in the upcoming military-controlled elections. These include barriers to electoral information, challenges faced by journalists, the impact of disinformation on public trust and democratic integrity, and the role of digital platforms in supporting credible electoral processes.

Electoral background

Myanmar’s electoral landscape has been shaped by political turmoil and systemic repression, casting doubt on the credibility of future elections. The National League for Democracy (NLD) secured a decisive victory in the 2020 elections, defeating the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). However, the military rejected these results, citing baseless claims of electoral fraud and preventing the NLD from assuming office.

On 1 February 2021, the military seized power in a coup, claiming the need to restore order and oversee new elections. They declared a one-year state of emergency, repeatedly extending it beyond constitutional limits, contravening domestic and international norms. Despite asserting that elections are necessary to restore democracy, the military has postponed them, citing ongoing conflicts with pro-democracy groups and ethnic armed organisations.

In 2024, the military conducted a limited census to revise electoral rolls and announced plans for the 2025 elections. However, ongoing conflict, restricted control, and widespread suppression of dissent ensure these elections lack credibility. Military-aligned parties dominate the process, excluding meaningful democratic participation and violating political rights.

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