KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has officially decided not to endorse the recent elections in military-ruled Myanmar due to concerns related to the lack of inclusive and fair participation. The statement was made by Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.
Myanmar conducted its first general election since the army ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. This military takeover ignited widespread opposition and has escalated into a civil war within the country. Following the second round of voting earlier this month, it appears that the military-backed political party is on track to secure a parliamentary majority. However, human rights organizations and opposition groups have claimed that the elections were neither free nor fair. They argue that these voting processes serve merely as an attempt by the military to legitimize its rule.
Mohamad Hasan emphasized that ASEAN leaders, during their summit in October, had collectively decided against sending observers to Myanmar. This decision was rooted in the belief that the conditions necessary for a credible election were not fulfilled. Nonetheless, some individual ASEAN member countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, proceeded to send observers. Myanmar’s Information Ministry confirmed these individual claims last month.
ASEAN's foreign minister further clarified that the elections must involve comprehensive and free participation, rather than being conducted in phases or under restrictive measures that exclude specific candidates. “We didn’t send observers and by virtue of that, we don’t certify the election,” he stated, marking the first explicit declaration from the 11-member regional organization indicating it will not acknowledge the election results.
ASEAN has consistently urged Myanmar's military government to adhere to a peace plan, which includes key components such as ceasing violence, permitting humanitarian access, and engaging in inclusive dialogue with all parties involved. While ASEAN has suspended Myanmar’s military leaders from attending its summits, the group's ability to exert influence has been hampered by internal divisions. Some member nations lean towards engagement, while others call for stronger measures against the military regime.
As Myanmar awaits the announcement of final results for various national and regional legislative seats, set to occur within the month, the regional and international community continues to watch closely. With significant concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the humanitarian crisis stemming from the military's seize of power, the situation in Myanmar remains highly volatile and contentious.
