ASEAN Declines to Certify Myanmar's Ongoing Election

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has officially announced that it will not send observers to Myanmar's ongoing three-stage election, which began in December 2025. Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that ASEAN will not endorse the election, which has faced widespread criticism from the United Nations, Western nations, and various human rights organizations. These critics argue that the election serves as a facade to legitimize military rule, a claim that the Myanmar junta has denied.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers — Mohamad

Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict since a military coup ousted the civilian government in 2021. The election is seen as a critical moment for the military-led government, which has faced international condemnation for its actions since the coup. In the second stage of the election, which took place earlier this month, voter turnout was reportedly low, with the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party leading by securing 88% of the contested lower house seats from the first phase.

ASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers — Mohamad

During a parliamentary session, Mohamad Hasan revealed that ASEAN had previously rejected a request from Myanmar to send election observers during the annual leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2025. While some individual ASEAN member states have opted to send observers independently, the collective decision underscores a unified stance against endorsing the election process.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers — Mohamad

The refusal to certify the election reflects ASEAN's ongoing struggle to address the political crisis in Myanmar, which has implications for regional stability and governance. The situation in Myanmar continues to be a contentious issue within ASEAN, as member states balance their diplomatic relations with the military regime against the need for democratic governance and human rights.

The Straits Times

Critics of the election process argue that it is fundamentally flawed and designed to reinforce military control rather than facilitate genuine democratic participation. The international community, including various rights groups, has expressed concerns that the election will not lead to meaningful change in Myanmar's political landscape.

ASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers — Mohamad

In response to inquiries about ASEAN's position, Mohamad Hasan stated, “We have said that ASEAN will not send observers, and by virtue of that, we will not certify the poll.” This statement encapsulates the organization's collective stance on the legitimacy of the election.

The Straits Times

As the election progresses, the international community will closely monitor developments in Myanmar. ASEAN's decision not to certify the election may prompt further discussions on how to address the ongoing crisis and support a return to democratic governance in the country.

ASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers — Mohamad