Myanmar's Controversial Elections: A Surveillance State in the Making?

The U.N. has raised concerns over Myanmar's upcoming elections, citing the military junta's pressure on voters, use of electronic voting machines, and AI surveillance as potential tools to identify opponents. International scrutiny deems the election a sham intended to legitimize the military regime established after the 2021 coup.

The U.N. human rights office is expressing strong concern about the Myanmar junta's upcoming elections, scheduled to start on December 28. Key issues involve alleged pressures placed on voters and the use of electronic voting machines and AI surveillance. These technologies might enable authorities to track voter behavior, potentially identifying opposition.

James Rodehaver from the U.N.'s OHCHR highlighted the issue that voters cannot leave ballots blank, effectively forcing them to make a choice. He also reported incidents where locals are pressured into attending military-led training sessions on machine use, amid threats from armed groups, illustrating the fraught election climate.

Controversy escalates as reports emerge of displaced individuals being ordered to return home to vote, and arrests of youths protesting the election. The international community, including OHCHR, remains skeptical, viewing these elections as an attempt by the junta to solidify its control post-coup, amid ongoing armed resistance and social unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)