Military Rulers Create Atmosphere of Fear and Intimidation Ahead of Upcoming Vote
On December 28, Myanmar will hold its first election since the military coup nearly five years ago, a poll many are calling a sham. The ruling junta has dissolved the popular National League for Democracy and imprisoned its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. With voting set to occur in a climate of fear and intimidation, large parts of the country remain engulfed in civil war, raising questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
A Controversial Campaign
In Mandalay, retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw, a candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), addressed a modest crowd at a campaign rally. Despite his efforts to energize the audience with promises of better times, many attendees appeared disinterested, some even dozing off in the afternoon heat. The rally attracted families affected by a recent earthquake, who seemed more focused on potential handouts than political discourse. As the event concluded, the crowd quickly dispersed, highlighting a lack of genuine enthusiasm for the election.
This election marks the first opportunity for Myanmar’s citizens to vote since the military takeover, which has plunged the nation into a devastating civil conflict. However, the upcoming vote has been widely criticized as illegitimate. The National League for Democracy, the country’s most popular political party, has been banned, and its leader remains imprisoned. The voting process will unfold in three stages over a month, but many regions still embroiled in conflict will not participate. Even in areas where voting is possible, fear and intimidation loom large, stifling open discussion about the election.
Fear and Intimidation
At the rally, attempts to gauge public sentiment about the election were met with resistance from party officials, who worried that attendees might express dissenting views. The presence of plain-clothes military intelligence officers contributed to the atmosphere of fear. In a country where expressing criticism of the election can lead to severe repercussions, even staunch supporters of the military felt compelled to remain silent.
In Mandalay’s markets, customers were reluctant to share their opinions on the election, fearing potential backlash. One woman, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, described the election as a “lie,” emphasizing the pervasive fear that has stripped people of their freedom and humanity. She expressed her decision not to vote, fully aware of the risks involved. The military junta has enacted laws criminalizing dissent, further tightening its grip on power and stifling any opposition.
The Junta’s Strategy
Despite the challenges, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appears optimistic about the upcoming election. He hopes that this electoral process, even with significant portions of the country excluded from voting, will lend legitimacy to his regime. Recently, he attended a Christmas mass in Yangon, condemning societal divisions while being accused of genocide against the Rohingya people and presiding over a civil war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The military’s election strategy has garnered support from China, which is providing technical and financial assistance. This backing may help the junta regain territory lost to armed opposition groups. With the National League for Democracy out of the picture, the USDP is expected to secure a significant victory, despite its dismal performance in the last free election in 2020.
Ongoing Conflict and Lack of Compromise
Even as life in Mandalay appears relatively calm, the scars of civil war are evident just outside the city. Areas surrounding the Irrawaddy River are contested, with local defense forces engaging in skirmishes against military convoys. The local police commander described the tense environment, where armed conflict is a daily reality. He noted that the election would not take place in many villages, as the community remains divided and unwilling to compromise.
The military’s refusal to acknowledge civilian casualties and its labeling of opponents as terrorists further complicate the situation. Many citizens express a sense of resignation regarding the upcoming election, which lacks the vibrancy of previous electoral contests. With only a handful of parties allowed to compete against the USDP, voter turnout is expected to be low. Nevertheless, the pervasive fear of retribution may compel many to cast their votes, albeit without genuine conviction. As one woman poignantly stated, “We will vote, but not with our hearts.”
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