Yangon
PEC Seeks Myanmar Media Release Ahead of Polls
US Says Burma Safe to Return, Announces Temporary Protected Status Termination
Geneva/Washington: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, has called on Myanmar’s military authorities to release all detained media professionals before the proposed multi-phase elections scheduled to begin on December 28, 2025. The organisation also demanded the abolition of the recently introduced election interference law, which it says is being used to harass journalists and social media users under the pretext of cracking down on so-called anti-nationals.
Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority nation of nearly 55 million people, is in the grip of escalating internal conflict. Since the 2021 military coup, the Min Aung Hlaing-led Tatmadaw has been locked in fierce fighting with pro-democracy armed resistance units, and government forces have suffered defeats in several regions. Nearly half of the country’s townships are now beyond military control, making the conduct of voting logistically impossible across large areas. Under these circumstances, the prospect of a free, fair and comprehensive election remains remote.
In parallel to these developments, the United States has taken a policy decision affecting the Burmese diaspora. On 24 November, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma on 26 January 2026. The decision followed the statutory review process required at least 60 days prior to the expiry of a TPS designation. Secretary Noem stated that Burma “has made notable progress in governance and stability,” citing the end of the state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements and improvements in local governance and public service delivery. After consultations with relevant U.S. government agencies, the Secretary concluded that country conditions no longer meet the criteria for TPS designation and that Burmese nationals can return home safely. Burmese nationals returning are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure.
Against this contrasting backdrop of international assessments and domestic realities, PEC argues that the electoral process inside Myanmar has become an additional tool to silence critical voices. “In the name of elections, the military rulers have imposed some strict guidelines, treating the mainstream journalists and social media users in Myanmar. Thus, they have taken a hard stand against any discussions on the faulty polls. Over five journalists, along with press freedom defenders, were executed by the military rulers. Many journalists had to escape the country for the sake of their lives and take shelter in the neighbouring countries,” said PEC president Blaise Lempen, stressing that journalism should not be treated as a crime anywhere in the world.
According to PEC’s South and Southeast Asia representative, Nava Thakuria, more than 200 journalists have been detained or imprisoned since the coup that toppled Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in 2021. Nearly 50 media professionals remain behind bars, and permits of at least 15 media outlets have been cancelled, forcing them to operate from hideouts or relocate across borders to continue working. The media fraternity remains exposed to arrests, violence and intimidation simply for reporting on the ongoing unrest.
Amid the turbulence, expectations for meaningful change remain cautious. While the current environment offers little reassurance, many journalists and media workers privately hope that the forthcoming elections might bring some relief — if not a comprehensive solution — at least an improvement in their security and professional space after years of escalating pressure.
– global bihari bureau
