Myanmar’s military junta has passed a sweeping new law imposing harsh punishments, including life imprisonment and the death penalty, for anyone accused of interfering with the country’s planned elections.

The new law, titled the “Protection Law for Multi-Party Democratic General Elections,” was enacted by the State Administration Council (SAC) on Tuesday (July 29). It criminalizes a wide range of activities, such as protests, political speeches, writing, organizing, and distributing materials that could be interpreted as disrupting or opposing the electoral process.

The law states that those found guilty of such offenses could face a minimum of three years in prison, with penalties extending up to life imprisonment or capital punishment in more serious cases involving violence or deaths. It also allows the military-led Ministry of Home Affairs to establish election security committees from the national level down to local townships, giving security forces broad control over the election environment.

Critics say the law is another tool to suppress dissent and silence opposition to the junta’s rule. “This is not about protecting elections — it's about protecting military power,” said one rights advocate.

The junta has faced growing resistance since its 2021 coup, and continues to fight armed ethnic groups and pro-democracy forces. Rights groups warn that the planned elections are likely to be neither free nor fair and are calling for stronger international pressure against the regime. 

BOB Post