The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not endorse the recent election in Myanmar, according to Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. Hasan informed Parliament on Tuesday that ASEAN leaders reached this decision during their summit in October, citing concerns regarding the lack of inclusive and free participation in the electoral process.
The election, the first since the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, saw the military-backed political party appearing poised to secure a parliamentary majority after the second round of voting earlier this month. The military takeover in 2021 sparked widespread opposition, escalating into a civil war.
Human rights organizations and opposition groups have denounced the polls as neither free nor fair, alleging they are an attempt by the military to legitimize its rule. These groups contend that the conditions for a credible election were not met, given the ongoing conflict and restrictions on political freedoms.
ASEAN's decision reflects a growing concern within the regional bloc regarding the situation in Myanmar. The organization has been attempting to mediate a resolution to the crisis, but progress has been limited. Hasan stated that ASEAN leaders decided against sending observers to the election due to these concerns.
The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with continued fighting between the military and various resistance groups. The international community is closely watching developments, with many countries imposing sanctions on the military regime. The lack of ASEAN endorsement further isolates the military government and raises questions about the legitimacy of the election results.
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