ASEAN nations have collectively decided against sending official election observers to Myanmar’s December vote, a move that severely undermines the ruling military junta’s bid for international legitimacy amid ongoing conflict.
This decision, confirmed by diplomatic sources today, October 27, means the bloc will not formally monitor the election planned for December 28.
The lack of consensus within the 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations comes despite an invitation from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military chief. He had framed the vote as a step toward reconciliation after the 2021 coup.
Analysts quickly noted the impact of the decision. Mustafa Izzuddin, an international affairs analyst with Solaris Strategies Singapore, stated the absence of ASEAN observers “will certainly impact Myanmar’s desire for legitimation.” He added there would be “no credible evidence” of a free and fair process.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have already condemned the election as a “sham.” They accuse the junta of “repressive tactics” and arresting critics.
The decision follows an ASEAN summit in Malaysia where leaders expressed “grave concern” over the Myanmar conflict. They also noted a “lack of concrete progress” towards peace.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as current ASEAN chair, reiterated calls for an “immediate ceasefire.”
An official statement from the summit, released on October 26, explicitly linked peace to the election. It declared that “Cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede elections.”
While ASEAN will not send an official delegation, individual member states retain the option to send bilateral observers. However, diplomatic sources indicated a lack of collective agreement for an ASEAN-branded mission.
United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews had previously cautioned ASEAN against “legitimizing the Myanmar junta’s deception.” He warned that accepting a “fraudulent election” would hinder Myanmar’s progress.
Notably, voting will not occur in areas controlled by pro-democracy forces and various ethnic armies currently engaged in fighting the military government.