Myanmar: Junta officials require foreign organizations to get permission through Myanmar embassies to meet political parties as of Aug. 31

Event

The military (Tatmadaw) regime is requiring international organizations to obtain prior permission from the Union Election Commission (UEC) through Myanmar embassies in their respective countries before meeting political parties in Myanmar as of Aug. 31. It is unclear whether foreigners or international organizations that meet political parties without advance approval will face any punishment. Policy enforcement will likely vary across the country.

Context

The junta authorities had also announced Aug. 11 that political parties must gain prior approval from the UEC before meeting any international organizations or foreigners; parties that breach the rule may face sanctions, including dissolution. The measures came amid ongoing unrest and armed clashes between pro-regime forces and anti-Tatmadaw groups in Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup; the Tatmadaw ousted the democratically elected government led by then-State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Additionally, the policies were announced as various national governments and international organizations have continued to express their support for the anti-Tatmadaw groups, including the National Unity Government (NUG), and ahead of a general election promised by the junta 2023. Political parties have criticized the curbs as the regime's attempt to control parties.