ASEAN tells Myanmar junta to prioritize peace over elections
Southeast Asian nations have called on Myanmar's military leadership to abandon its plans for elections and focus instead on ending the ongoing civil conflict in the country.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging the junta to prioritize peace over political maneuvers.
During a ministerial retreat held on Sunday in Langkawi, Malaysia, ASEAN stressed that the escalating violence in Myanmar required immediate attention. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, speaking at the retreat, stated, 'We made it clear that elections are not the priority. Ceasefire and peace are what matters most right now.'
Myanmar has faced deep turmoil since its military seized power in early 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup sparked widespread pro-democracy protests, which have since evolved into an armed rebellion controlling large parts of the country.
Despite widespread criticism and ongoing conflict, the junta plans to hold elections this year. Critics have dismissed these elections as a ploy to legitimize military rule through proxy candidates, as the nation struggles with a collapsing economy and the banning of dozens of political parties.
As part of its efforts to address the crisis, Malaysia announced the appointment of former diplomat Othman Hashim as its special envoy to Myanmar. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar remains dire, with the United Nations estimating that nearly 20 million people—more than a third of the population—require urgent assistance. ASEAN has also urged the junta to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas.
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