ELECTORAL REPORTING At the same time, the junta had managed how its planned elections were seen from the outside. Reports said that around 225 journalists from 61 international media outlets were allowed to cover the process. But it’s not entirely clear who these outlets are:some appear to be closely aligned with the regime or operating under rebranded identities. Even for those granted access, the conditions have been tightly controlled. Independent journalists have reportedly not been allowed to freely photograph polling stations, and there have been accounts of surveillance, including an international reporter being followed for long periods. Independent journalists experienced a very contrast to the relatively open media environment during the 2020 elections, when independent domestic and international outlets were able to conduct more comprehensive reporting. Limited access is granted to create the appearance of openness, while substantive scrutiny is prevented. In effect, it enables the junta to point to international media presence as a sign of legitimacy, while still keeping a firm grip on what can actually be seen and reported. Moreover, the election protection law that the military junta implemented last year July is a preset oppressive tool against dissent and independence electoral reporting. The Assistance Association for Myanmar-based Independent Journalists (AAMIJ) News has been sued for its investigative report on Facebook alleging that U Aung Soe, a candidate from the junta-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) involved in drug trafficking. The military arrested over 400 individuals and sued organisations including media outlets and armed forces, under the Law. Ko Nay Aung, editor-in-chief of the Nation Voice Myanmar media outlet states that “The SAC-organised election was, as everyone knows, largely staged. Independent media were completely not allowed to report. There were only regime-controlled media outlets and invited international media used for display purposes.” (Read more about electoral reporting in “voices” section) Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar 10