ASEAN Will Not Send Observers or Recognize Results of Myanmar Military Commission Election, Says Malaysia’s Foreign Minister

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister announced that ASEAN will neither send observers nor recognize Myanmar’s military-run, multi-phase election, stating that ASEAN rejected the junta’s request for observers and maintains that elections must be inclusive, free, and unrestricted. While some ASEAN members may act independently, ASEAN as a bloc opposes the process, which has been widely criticized by the UN, Western governments, and human rights groups as an attempt to legitimize military rule. Despite low voter turnout in the first two phases, military-backed USDP candidates are currently leading the results.