00:00Myanmar's military junta says it is seeking to prosecute more than 200 people
00:05for allegedly disrupting upcoming military-led elections.
00:09Home Affairs Minister Thun Thun Nang says the suspects are accused of attempting to
00:14sabotage election processes, according to state media.
00:19The junta said it is pursuing legal action against 229 individuals under new legislation
00:26introduced in July to prevent what it calls obstruction, disruption and destruction of
00:31the polls. The military is promoting phased elections starting December 28th as a step
00:37towards national reconciliation. But opposition groups have vowed to block the road in areas
00:42they control, while international observers have dismissed the ballot as a pretext to extend
00:48military rule. The July law bans criticism or protests against the elections and carries
00:54harsh penalties. Convictions can result in up to 10 years in prison, with authorities
00:59already making arrests for minor online activity, including reacting with a heart emoji to post
01:05criticizing the polls. Myanmar has been locked in conflict since the military seized power
01:10in a 2021 coup, with critics saying the upcoming elections are designed to legitimize continued
01:16military rule rather than restore democracy.
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