Elections during Myanmar’s digital coup
Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression – January 2025
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 for free expression. The military, which seized power in a 2021 coup d’état,
plans to hold an election in 2025, which it claims will be free and fair. The accessibility, freedom,
and integrity of the digital environment will be critical in enabling the public to understand the
military's actions and decide whether or not to participate.
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.