ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Southeast Asian nations have responded cautiously to Myanmar’s announcement that it will hold a general election on December 28, 2025, the first since the 2021 military coup.
Although the junta government in Naypyidaw has formally invited ASEAN member states to send election observers, the regional bloc emphasized that ending violence and initiating inclusive political dialogue must come first.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, October 26, 2025 ago, ASEAN leaders confirmed receiving Myanmar’s invitation but underlined that any election must adhere to principles of freedom, fairness, transparency, peace, and credibility.
“We note Myanmar’s plan to hold a general election in December 2025 and its invitation to ASEAN member states to send election observers. We emphasize that ending violence and fostering inclusive political dialogue are essential prerequisites before holding such elections,” the statement read.
However, diplomatic sources revealed that ASEAN is unlikely to send an official observation mission under the bloc’s flag.
Besides that, there was no consensus among ASEAN members to deploy a collective monitoring mission for Myanmar’s election.
Junta’s Legitimacy Under Scrutiny
Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with Solaris Strategies Singapore, said ASEAN’s cautious stance could deal a significant blow to the junta’s legitimacy.
“Without independent observers, there will be no credible evidence that the election is free and fair,” Izzuddin noted.
The European Union took an even firmer position. EU Commissioner Kajsa Ollongren ruled out sending observers, stressing that the upcoming vote does not meet democratic standards.
“Based on our criteria, we do not send observers to something we do not recognize as an election,” she said.
Human Rights Groups Condemn the Plan
International human rights organizations have also denounced Myanmar’s election plan. Human Rights Watch called it a “political sham,” while Amnesty International accused the junta of using repressive tactics to silence dissent.
“[The junta] has been arresting anyone who criticizes the vote,” Amnesty said in a statement.
Background of the Crisis
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the February 2021 coup, when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup triggered nationwide protests and violent crackdowns that killed thousands and led to mass detentions.
In response, ASEAN barred the junta’s participation in high-level meetings, though Myanmar remains a member of the bloc, represented only by non-political figures.
Despite repeated calls from ASEAN and the international community for inclusive dialogue and a peaceful resolution, Myanmar’s crisis continues unabated as the junta pushes ahead with plans for its December 2025 election. (AT Network)
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