Myanmar's general election is driven by military control – and public fear

The regime is hoping to legitimise its grip on power via a 'sham' election that few will dare to boycott or even speak out against, reports Fred Harter

- Fred Harter

The buildup to the general election in Myanmar has been subdued. The most popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in prison, much of the country is controlled by rebels and there has been little campaigning in Yangon, the country's economic hub.

"There is a reason for the silence - fear," said a salesperson in the city, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. "People are afraid that if they speak about politics and the election, they could be arrested. This fear is strong, and it fills our daily lives."

Myanmar's military regime hopes the vote will legitimise its grip on power, four years after it deposed Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup. Earlier this year it introduced a law to protect the election from "obstruction, disruption and destruction", with penalties of up to 40 years in prison.

More than 200 people have been charged, including someone who posted a heart emoji beneath a Facebook post criticising the election. Spoiling ballots has also been banned. Some voters fear they will be punished for not going to a polling station.