MYANMAR JUNTA’S PLANNED ELECTIONS: FALLING SHORT OF DEMOCRATIC LEGITIMACY fabricated. Nevertheless, the census was used to update population registries and, in turn, voter lists. The quality of voter lists cannot be assessed until public displays are conducted ahead of the elections. However, under the current context of widespread armed conflict and mass displacement, and without scrutiny from civil society and political parties, it is unlikely that the UEC can produce an accurate, inclusive, and comprehensive voter registry. The use of data collected by the junta to enforce conscription and impose surveillance over its population to prepare voter lists goes against international standards. It raises concerns that these lists could be used to exclude, intimidate, or monitor voters. Applicable international standards: • Article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protect universal suffrage. • UN Human Rights Committee, CCPR General Comment No. 25, paragraph 11: “States must take effective measures to ensure that all persons entitled to vote are able to exercise that right. Where registration of voters is required, it should be facilitated and obstacles to such registration should not be imposed. If residence requirements apply to registration, they must be reasonable, and should not be imposed in such a way as to exclude the homeless from the right to vote. Any abusive interference with registration or voting as well as intimidation or coercion of voters should be prohibited by penal laws and those laws should be strictly enforced. Voter education and registration campaigns are necessary to ensure the effective exercise of article 25 rights by an informed community.” 50