UN says Myanmar junta using 'brutal violence' to force people to voteGENEVA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The UN said on Tuesday Myanmar's junta was using violence and intimidation to force people to vote in upcoming military-controlled elections, while armed opposition groups were using similar tactics to keep people away. "The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to compel people to vote and stop arresting people for expressing any dissenting views," United Nations rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement. "Forcing displaced people to undertake unsafe and involuntary returns is a human rights violation," Turk stressed. It also pointed to how the self-declared Yangon Army bombed administration offices in Hlegu and North Okkalapa townships in the Yangon region, injuring several election staff, and had vowed to "keep attacking election organisers". "These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression," Turk said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha December 23, 2025 11:54 UTC