"Myanmar's military-backed political party appeared headed for a parliamentary majority after the second round of voting earlier this month in the country's first general election since the army ousted a civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover triggered widespread opposition that has grown into a civil war. Human rights and opposition groups say the polls were neither free nor fair and are an effort by the military to legitimize its rule."
"ASEAN has repeatedly urged Myanmar's military government to implement a peace plan that it had agreed on, which includes ending violence, allowing humanitarian access and holding inclusive dialogue with all parties. ASEAN suspended Myanmar's military leaders from attending its summits but such efforts have been limited by divisions in the bloc, with some favoring engagement and others urging stronger pressure on Myanmar generals."
"'We didn't send observers and by virtue of that, we don't certify the election,' he said."
ASEAN declined to endorse or certify Myanmar's election, citing lack of comprehensive and free participation and absence of ASEAN observers. Leaders decided at the October summit not to send observers because conditions for a credible election were not met, though some member states sent observers individually. The vote followed the February 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and sparked armed opposition and civil war. Myanmar's military-backed party appeared headed for a parliamentary majority. Human rights and opposition groups called the polls neither free nor fair and an attempt to legitimize military rule. Divisions within ASEAN have limited enforcement of its peace plan.
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