Regime arrests 88 people for opposing elections

By Admin 01 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

1 November 2025, Mrauk-U

The junta-appointed Union Minister for Home Affairs, Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, said that 83 men and five women - a total of 88 people - have been charged with attempting to disrupt and sabotage the election.

He made the remarks at a meeting of the Central Election Security Supervision Committee held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 31, according to the junta-controlled Ministry of Information.

"We have identified and taken action against those who used various methods to disrupt the electoral process. As of October 29, there have been 88 defendants - including 83 men and five women - in 40 cases under the Election Prevention and Protection Act in various regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw," he said.

He added that action would be taken against any incitement, propaganda, or statements that could harm election security.

On October 29, the military regime announced the arrests of film director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Htut, and comedian Ohn Daing, alleging that they had posted false criticism on social media of NATO-affiliated artists who starred in a pro-military election awareness film titled Those Who Will Shake the History of the Era, and had incited people to misunderstand the election.

The regime further announced on October 31 that film directors Zabutun Thet Lwin and Aung Chan Lu were also arrested under the Election Prevention and Protection Act. It said it is continuing to implement security measures to ensure the safety of polling stations, voting machines, parliamentary candidates, and voters.

"The military regime is using various methods to oppress and intimidate the people in order to hold elections. The law is in the hands of the military regime, so the people can't do anything," said a young man from Yangon.

Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung said the military, militia groups, public security forces, and other partner organisations must coordinate to ensure that security is not compromised during the election period.

The military regime issued the Law on the Protection of Elections from Disruption on July 29. Section 6 of the law prohibits speaking, campaigning, demonstrating, or distributing literature to disrupt elections.

Violations of the law are punishable by imprisonment of three to seven years and a fine. If a violation results in death, the death penalty may be imposed.

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) said on August 8 that the regime has severely restricted freedom of expression and media freedom by crafting electoral protection laws to its own advantage.

The regime has announced that the first phase of the election will be held in 102 townships on December 28, and the second phase in 100 townships on January 11, 2026.