As voting for Phase Two of the military regime’s election proceeds today, January 11, 2026, election observers and journalists report an atmosphere of near-total public silence—defined by fear, disinterest, and repression rather than civic engagement.

Compared with the 2020 general election held under the National League for Democracy (NLD), there is virtually no visible public participation, either online or on the ground. Analysts attribute this silence primarily to the junta’s Law for the Protection of the Election from Disturbance, Obstruction, and Destruction, which carries severe penalties ranging from a minimum of three years in prison to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

The law was enacted on July 29, 2025, and according to available data, at least 335 people—275 men and 60 women—have been arrested under its provisions to date.

“Since the coup, thousands have been arrested just for posting criticism of the military or expressing support for the revolution online,” said a resident of Taunggyi. “Because of arrests under such a serious law, no one dares to say anything about the election anymore.”

He added that the first person detained under the election law was an internally displaced man living and working in Taunggyi.

Observers say the public silence is driven not only by fear of arrest but also by deep disinterest in the junta-led election itself. A researcher monitoring election-related data in southern Shan State said participation is largely coerced rather than voluntary.

“Many people go to vote because they are afraid,” he said. “Aside from the USDP and Ma Ba Tha, there is almost no genuine interest in this election.”

Independent journalists inside Myanmar report that the election law has severely restricted their ability to gather information. Sources refuse interviews, decline phone calls, or respond only with vague statements.

“When we ask people for information, either online or by phone, they just say ‘I don’t know,’ or they don’t answer at all,” said one journalist working inside the country. “It has become extremely difficult to do our work.”

Monitoring by SHAN of election-related activity on Facebook found widespread silence, extending beyond ordinary citizens to individuals closely associated with Shan politics. Public criticism of the election is virtually absent.

In Yangon, a resident of Hlaing Township said that even the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is struggling to mobilize basic election logistics.

“Even the USDP couldn’t find people to guard polling stations,” he said. “This morning, they were reportedly recruiting people by offering 25,000 kyats, with expenses covered.”

Despite the lack of participation, observers say the junta’s priority is not public consent but the appearance of having successfully held an election. As a result, the process is expected to continue regardless of turnout or public cooperation.

On December 28, 2025, the junta held Phase One of the election in 102 townships and announced a voter turnout of 52.13 percent—a figure widely questioned by observers amid reports of fear, coercion, and enforced silence.