Objection Statement Regarding the Illegitimate Election and
the Junta-Appointed Myanmar Press Council (MPC)
Date: 8 August 2025.
1. The Myanmar military, after seizing power, is now attempting to establish a new administrative structure and hold an election designed entirely to serve its own interests. This planned election offers no benefit to Myanmar’s democratic development. Instead, it is aimed at consolidating military power and prolonging the regime’s control over the state. This agenda is clearly reflected in the sixth amendment of the Election Law for every parliament or Hluttaw election, issued by the junta-appointed Union Election Commission.
2. The so-called “Multi-Party Democratic General Elections” announced by the military are protected under a new law titled The Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Election from Obstruction. In practice, this law severely restricts freedom of expression and press freedom. The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) views it as a direct assault on fundamental rights.
3. Section (6) of this law criminalizes public speech, organizing, protesting, or publishing any content that could be interpreted as disrupting the election. Violators face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of three to seven years — and even the death penalty if any loss of life occurs. These provisions not only violate the right to free expression but also instil fear in the public.
4. Moreover, the Cybersecurity Law enacted by the junta on July 30 constitutes a blatant violation of the digital rights of Myanmar’s citizens. It expands the regime’s power to survey political dissidents, suppress independent journalists, and restrict the ability of ethnic communities to freely report and distribute news. Therefore, IPCM strongly opposes this law.
5. Although the military claims the state of emergency has ended, in practice, basic rights guaranteed under the previous democratic government’s Law for the Protection of Personal Privacy and Personal Security of Citizens remain under threats. The junta continues to grant itself sweeping authority to detain and interrogate anyone, at any time, without due process.
6. Additionally, the Myanmar Press Council (MPC), operating under the regime, serves only the interests of the military leadership. It has failed to advocate for the 37 journalists currently imprisoned and has done nothing to defend the rights or safety of independent media. IPCM therefore does not recognize the legitimacy of the junta-appointed MPC and unequivocally rejects its actions, affiliations, and any media-related authority it claims to hold.
7. The military regime is currently using the MPC to promote its election agenda as if it were free and fair. It is attempting to mislead regional media organizations and press councils by disseminating false narratives through the MPC. IPCM considers this campaign a serious threat to Myanmar’s independent media and wishes to alert both regional and international media allies to this alarming situation.
8. The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) is the only legitimate media council in the country. It is composed of 40 independent Myanmar media organizations, individual journalists, media professionals, and legal experts. IPCM is dedicated to defending press freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists, upholding ethical journalism, and advancing the development of a free and independent media sector in Myanmar. It will continue to serve as the representative body working toward these objectives.
Executive Committee
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM)
IPCM’s Contact Person
Nan Paw Gay (Chairperson) – 0926067631
Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) – 0806834240
