Violence and Intimidation

Having experienced decades of military rule, the people of Burma fully understand that resistance to the regime and its affiliates could bring grave consequences to themselves and their families. Set against this backdrop of systematic repression, the elections were not free from physical violence or intimidation. Rather than allowing basic freedoms, such as freedom of expression, association and assembly in the lead up to the elections, the regime increasingly tightened restrictions and took measures to further perpetuate and entrench the climate of fear throughout Burma.

All levels of the regime are intricately involved in this system of oppression, and wield formidable control over the population through violent assaults, or even threats of such violence. The regime capitalized on this threatening political presence during the campaign period and on the day of the elections to solicit votes and party membership through intimidation and violence. Political violence was utilized to harass opposition parties, frightening and deterring party supporters, and limiting campaign activity. Further perpetuating this climate of fear was the regular arbitrary arrest and detention of political activists, heightening the risks to political activity across the country.

Even more concerning was the outbreak of election-related violence in Eastern Burma the day after the polls. The escalation of violence speaks to the regime’s continued persecution and targeting of ethnic communities and the regime’s lack of regard for ethnic equality in the electoral process. However, this resistance meant that on the day after elections, approximately 30,000 Karen refugees fled across the border in order to escape the violent conflict.

Categories
• Violence
• Intimidation and threats
• Forced membership
• Forced voting
• Property damage
• Political assassination
• Unlawful arrest and detention
• Forced labor
• Targeting ethnic communities
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