Myanmar Media Historically and the Challenges of Transition 39 often broad and arbitrary interpretations of the law have muddied the terms by which art has been judged political or offensive. Heather MacLachlan brings to this volume a discussion of changes in the music industry during the transition period. Reflecting on the opening of space for writers and poets, Ma Thida highlights the lingering culture of fear that challenges efforts to promote and defend freedom of expression. Coverage of the 2015 parliamentary elections, while flawed, was fairer and more transparent than coverage of the 2010 nominal elections staged by the military junta, yet journalists had to contend with significant problems in gaining access and reporting freely. The military regime conducted elections on 7 November 2010, the fifth step of its so-called Roadmap to Democracy. However, the Union Election Commission (UEC), which was directly appointed by the regime, issued restrictions on opposition political parties and media (SEAPA 2011). Political parties not contesting the election were deregistered, including the NLD. In March 2010 the Press Scrutiny and Registration Board issued directives to the media to not publish interviews with opposition leaders or discuss the electoral laws (Kumar 2014, p. 73). Commentary about the 2008 constitution was added to the list of restrictions in July 2010, and in October the regime announced it was not granting press visas to foreign journalists who wanted to cover the elections (Kumar 2014). Local journalists working for foreign media reported being followed and photographed by Myanmar police and security agents (Kumar 2014). Those who tried to evade the authorities were arrested and deported, including Toru Yamaji, the head of the Tokyo-based news agency APF (Reporters Without Borders 2010b). Aung San Suu Kyi was released six days after the elections, on 13 November, an event which was widely attended by the media. But at least ten publications were suspended for between one and three weeks for what the censors claimed was overly extensive coverage of the opposition leader (Nay Thwin 2010). The pre-election coverage of the November 2015 parliamentary elections faced fewer restrictions than in 2010 but it was still lacking in many ways. In her chapter, Carine Jacquet discusses the interactions between the Union Election Commission and journalists during the elections. A rollback on media freedom and free expression began in 2014 under the Thein Sein administration, a few scant years after the political opening. Many people were charged that year under internet 01 ch1-MyanmarMediaIT-5P.indd 39 8/4/19 10:29 am