the military amended this law, allowing for the dissolution of any party accused of electoral fraud or unlawful conduct during voting233. The six parties include the military’s proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which contested the election as the largest party with the greatest number of candidates. Aside from the primary motive of gaining legitimacy, it has also been reported that China pressured the military to hold the vote due to political instability affecting China’s interests234. The vote is reportedly the result of an agreement between Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping235. In the lead-up to the election, more than 200 people have reportedly been arrested and charged under the election law for allegedly sabotaging the electoral process236. According to media reports, those charged include filmmakers, an actor, a comedian, children, members of the People’s Defense Forces, and members of ethnic armed groups fighting the army237. B. Key Digital Rights Situations in 2025 Following the 2021 military coup, the suppression of digital rights has intensified, as shown by laws specifically targeting the digital space, efforts to control information, and expanded surveillance. In 2025, the Cybersecurity Law took effect on July 30, after being enacted on January 1238. It regulates the use of virtual private network (VPN) services in the country, as the junta claims VPNs can bypass censorship and make internet activity more difficult to surveil. Under the law, establishing or providing VPN services without approval is a crime239. Individuals who violate the law face imprisonment of one to six months, a fine of 1-10 Maung Kavi. “Myanmar Regime Sets More Traps to Guarantee Election Win.” The Irrawaddy, 29 July 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/myanmar-regime-sets-more-traps-to-guarantee-election-win.html. 234. “Myanmar Is Going to the Polls, but It’s Not the People Who Hold the Power—It’s China.” The Guardian, 28 Dec. 2025, www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/28/myanmar-is-going-to-the-polls-but-its-notthe-people-who-hold-the-power-its-china. 235. “China Says Myanmar Junta Election Stems From Xi-Min Aung Hlaing Deal.” The Irrawaddy, 30 Dec. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/elections/china-says-myanmar-junta-election-stems-from-xi-min-aung-hlaing-deal. html. 236. “Myanmar’s Military Junta Charge Hundreds With Breaking Election Law as Voting Date Nears.” CNN, 17 Dec. 2025, edition.cnn.com/2025/12/17/asia/myanmar-military-election-law-arrests-intl-hnk. 237. Ibid. 238. Diamond, Cape. “Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law Comes Into Force, Putting Businesses on Alert.” Nikkei Asia, 20 Aug. 2025, asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/myanmar-crisis/myanmar-s-cybersecurity-law-comesinto-force-putting-businesses-on-alert. 233. 55