The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not endorse elections held under Myanmar’s military rule, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Tuesday, citing the absence of inclusive and free participation.

Speaking in Malaysia’s Parliament, Mohamad said ASEAN leaders agreed at their October summit not to send official election observers, concluding that conditions for a credible vote were not in place. “We didn’t send observers and by virtue of that, we don’t certify the election,” he said, marking the clearest statement yet from the 11-member bloc that it will not recognize the results.

Myanmar’s military-backed party is expected to secure a parliamentary majority following a second round of voting earlier this month, in what authorities describe as the country’s first general election since the army ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover triggered widespread protests that have since escalated into a protracted civil war.

Human rights groups and opposition parties have condemned the polls as neither free nor fair, arguing they are designed to legitimize continued military rule. Mohamad emphasized that ASEAN requires elections to allow comprehensive and unrestricted participation, rather than being conducted in phases or under conditions that exclude certain candidates.

Although ASEAN refrained from sending official observers, some member states acted independently. Myanmar’s Information Ministry said Cambodia and Vietnam were among countries that dispatched observers.

ASEAN has repeatedly urged Myanmar’s military to implement its agreed peace plan, including an end to violence, humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue. While Myanmar’s military leaders remain barred from ASEAN summits, divisions persist within the bloc over how best to balance engagement and pressure.

Final results for national and regional legislative seats are expected later this month.

BOB Post