Arakan News Agency
Diplomatic sources said on Monday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not send observers to Myanmar’s elections scheduled for December 28, dealing a blow to the ruling military council’s attempts to gain international legitimacy.
During their meeting in Malaysia, leaders of the 11-member bloc expressed “deep concern” over the conflict, warning of a lack of substantive progress toward peace. The statement emphasized that the cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede any elections, noting the military council’s invitation for ASEAN countries to send observers.
Diplomatic sources told AFP that while ASEAN will not deploy observers under its banner, member states remain free to send monitors on a bilateral basis, reflecting a lack of consensus within the bloc on sending a mission under ASEAN’s flag.
Analysts warned that the decision would weaken the legitimacy of the elections. International affairs analyst Mustafa Izzuddin said: “There will be no credible evidence to suggest that free and fair elections were held.”
Human rights organizations criticized the elections, with Human Rights Watch describing them as a “sham,” while Amnesty International accused the military council of using “repressive tactics” and arresting anyone critical of the electoral process.
EU Commissioner Kajsa Ollongren also ruled out sending observers, stating that the planned elections are neither free nor fair. Myanmar remains an ASEAN member, but military council leaders have been barred from attending bloc meetings since the 2021 coup.
During the summit, international and regional human rights groups urged ASEAN leaders, meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to take a firm stance on the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar and to take serious action to address the Rohingya crisis, which has affected Bangladesh and other regional countries since 2017.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Myanmar, calling on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
