Junta exploits prisoner amnesty to boost election image, analysts say

By Admin 28 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

28 November 2025, Mrauk-U

Political analysts say Myanmar’s military regime is using the release of political prisoners to draw attention and gain support for the upcoming elections.

Analysts note that the regime, which has enacted laws punishing election criticism with up to 20 years in prison or the death penalty, is now leveraging amnesty to politically exploit prisoners.

Ko Thaik Tun Oo, founder of the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM), said, “By framing the releases around the election, the world is drawn to the junta-sponsored vote. People reading this news see ‘election’ as a metaphor. I think it is deliberate.”

On 26 November, the regime announced it had pardoned 3,085 prisoners serving sentences under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, claiming the country would successfully implement a multi-party democracy and preserve voting rights in the upcoming polls.

The regime also said it had dropped cases against 5,580 fugitives and those charged under Section 505(a), including 724 previously pardoned and 2,361 newly pardoned prisoners.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that as of 4 p.m. on 27 November, only about 549 political prisoners had been released from 16 prisons.

Since the military coup, 30,039 people have been arrested, with 22,702 still in detention. Of those detained, 11,424 have been sentenced to prison, AAPP stated.

U Myat Tun, central executive of the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), said, “The election will not bring political stability. This election is being held because Min Aung Hlaing wants power. His followers will follow his agenda. Peace in Myanmar is impossible under this election.”

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) reported on 26 November that the military regime has committed serious international crimes ahead of the election, despite announcing the first round will be held on 28 December.

The IIMM also received reports of crimes against humanity linked to the election, accompanied by widespread fear.