The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not endorse elections held in military-ruled 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 recent elections, the first since the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, have been widely criticized. The military-backed political party appeared poised to secure a parliamentary majority following the second round of voting earlier this month.

"ASEAN's stance is clear: we cannot endorse an election that lacks inclusivity and fairness," Hasan stated, emphasizing the regional bloc's commitment to democratic principles. He added that the decision reflects ASEAN's deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

The 2021 military takeover in Myanmar sparked widespread opposition, escalating into a civil war. Human rights organizations and opposition groups have denounced the elections as neither free nor fair, alleging they are an attempt by the military to legitimize its rule. These groups point to restrictions on political participation, suppression of dissent, and the exclusion of key opposition figures as evidence of the election's flawed nature.

The situation in Myanmar has been a persistent challenge for ASEAN, which has struggled to find a unified approach to address the crisis. The bloc's efforts to mediate dialogue between the military junta and opposition forces have yielded limited results. ASEAN's special envoy to Myanmar has faced difficulties in gaining access to key stakeholders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains detained.

The decision not to endorse the elections underscores ASEAN's continued disapproval of the military regime and its attempts to consolidate power. However, the lack of consensus within ASEAN on how to effectively engage with Myanmar remains a significant obstacle to resolving the crisis. The future of Myanmar and its relationship with ASEAN remains uncertain, with ongoing violence and political instability posing significant challenges to regional stability.