New law could enforce death penalty for undermining elections
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Htet Nadi (NP News) – August 4
The law, officially titled "Law on Protecting Multi-Party Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Hindrance, and Destruction," is designated as the State Administration Council (SAC) Law No. 48/2025.
The objectives of the law are to: (a) prevent obstruction of the multi-party democratic general election process; (b) prevent interference during the campaign period preceding the election; (c) ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote freely and safely without obstruction; and (d) ensure that polling stations and election officials can carry out their duties in complete safety.
The Law stipulates that the election commissions at all levels may request the Township Multi-Party Democracy General Election Security Supervision Committee to provide necessary security for election-related matters such as (a) compiling voter lists, (b) determining polling stations and polling station locations by ward and village tract, (c) approving and inspecting polling stations and polling station premises, and relocating polling stations, (d) transporting and maintaining ballot papers, ballot boxes, voting machines, equipment, and supplies.
In addition, it is stipulated that a Hluttaw candidate may request the relevant Township Multi-Party Democracy General Election Security Supervision Committee to provide security during the election campaign in accordance with the law. If the Committee receives a notification under Sections 12 and 13, it shall notify the relevant local police force, and that police force shall provide appropriate security. It is also stipulated that the Committee shall coordinate with the Myanmar Police Force in advance on the security required on the day of the election.
The law stipulates that no person shall, by any means, engage in speech, statements, organizing, incitement, protests, or publication intended to disrupt, or partially disrupt, the processes of the multi-party democratic general election. Furthermore, no person shall, with the intent to prevent any eligible voter from casting their vote: (a) threaten, obstruct, or exert undue influence; (b) cause physical harm intentionally; or (c) cause serious physical harm intentionally, whether directly or indirectly.
In addition, the law stipulates that if a person dies in the commission of an offense under the law, each person involved in the offense will be sentenced to death, and for other offenses, the minimum penalty is imprisonment for a term of three years to life, and a fine may also be imposed.