Democracy organizations from around the world call on the Myanmar military to fully respect the results of the recent national elections, release all detained political and civil society leaders, refrain from exerting violence, and allow the country to institute real democratic reforms.

We are deeply concerned by the detentions of President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Union Election Commission Chairman U Hla Thein, members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and civil society leaders and urge their immediate release.

We reject the claims that the military’s take-over is in line with the Myanmar constitution and that the recent elections were fraudulent. Although, according to a statement by 12 domestic election monitoring organizations, the November polls had some weaknesses as a result of restrictions due to COVID-19 and some flaws in electoral processes, “the election results were credible and reflected the will of the majority.” We strongly repudiate the spread of disinformation to justify the interruption of the democratic process.

Myanmar’s erratic democratic transition has been fraught with challenges. Yet, democracy still offers the best hope to protect human dignity, provide legitimate governance and advance the freedom of all people. We express our solidarity with the people of Myanmar and affirm our unwavering support for their democratic aspirations.

Following our global Call to Defend Democracy and The Prague Appeal for Democratic Renewal, we call on the international community—particularly democratic governments—to act decisively to protect democracy in Myanmar and globally.

Defend Democracy in Myanmar Signatories List (updated 16 February)

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