Myanmar Junta Tightens Grip with New Laws Targeting Resistance

Myanmar’s ruling military regime is ramping up its legal crackdown on resistance forces and opposition figures ahead of a controversial election slated for late 2025. Having recently lifted a state of emergency imposed since its 2021 coup, the junta is now rolling out new laws — including those criminalizing VPN use and threatening death penalties for interference in election activities — in a bid to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Observers warn the measures will further entrench authoritarian control while putting overseas companies at compliance risk.

Suppressing Resistance Through Legal Means

At a recent government meeting, Home Affairs Minister Tun Tun Naung stated the regime would use the “rule of law” to ensure election success. The move comes as the regime attempts to legitimize its rule through a multi-stage election process from December to January — despite widespread rejection of its legitimacy by opposition forces and international critics.

One new law punishes anyone threatening or obstructing election officials, with penalties ranging from prison to the death sentence if fatalities result. Another targets former military and police personnel who join resistance groups.

Coastal Crackdown and New Cyber Controls

The military also introduced a new coast guard law focused on suppressing armed ethnic groups along the western seaboard, such as the Arakan Army. The law grants the coast guard authority to intercept arms shipments and restricts movement on uninhabited islands.

Of particular concern to international businesses is the newly enacted cybersecurity law, which bans content “inappropriate for public viewing” and may criminalize VPN usage. This could severely impact companies relying on VPNs for secure communications. Japanese firms have expressed alarm over vague enforcement details, warning of significant operational and legal risks.

Limited Election Access and Continued Detentions

While the military’s election commission claims that voting will proceed in 267 of Myanmar’s 330 townships (80%), 63 townships remain under localized emergency rule due to ongoing armed resistance. This undercuts claims of a nationwide democratic process.

Meanwhile, prominent pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned. Recent legal changes ban individuals convicted of corruption — including Suu Kyi — from seeking office, fueling allegations that the election is being engineered to exclude genuine opposition.

International Skepticism Mounts

The U.S., EU, and Japan remain skeptical of the junta’s electoral promises, citing the absence of democratic safeguards, the lack of international monitoring guarantees, and the continued detention of opposition figures. Though some speculate that selected detainees could be released for appearance’s sake, the broader crackdown suggests the regime’s intent to secure victory through legal repression rather than fair competition.