ANFREL Statement on the ASEAN dialogue related to situation in Myanmar

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) underscores the significance for Myanmar and the broader region of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit taking place in Cebu, Philippines this week. As the Myanmar military authorities continue efforts to seek legitimacy following the military coup in 2021 and the subsequent  illegitimate elections staged in December 2025 and January 2026, ASEAN’s engagement and response remain critically important.

As documented in the joint ANFREL–SAC-M report “Old Generals, New Clothes: The Myanmar Junta’s Illegitimate 2025-26 Elections and the Way Forward”, ANFREL reiterates that the electoral process staged by the military junta did not meet any international or regional standards for credible, inclusive, and legitimate elections. The process lacked the fundamental conditions necessary for genuine democratic participation and cannot be regarded as a legitimate reflection of the will of the Myanmar people.

The continued restrictions on political participation, civic space, and independent scrutiny in Myanmar also highlight the increasingly difficult environment faced by citizen election observers, civil society groups, journalists, and democratic actors across the region. Despite these challenges, many continue to document electoral and human rights violations under dangerous conditions in defense of democratic participation and public accountability.

In this context, ANFREL respectfully urges ASEAN leaders to refrain from actions that could confer legitimacy upon a non-credible electoral process. 

Instead, ASEAN should continue to pursue a solution that reflects the aspirations and democratic will of the people of Myanmar. This requires meaningful engagement with legitimate democratic actors, ethnic stakeholders, civil society, and affected communities to help create the conditions for genuine dialogue, accountability, and transitional justice. Such efforts are essential in advancing an inclusive process toward a peaceful democratic future grounded in representative governance, human rights, reconciliation, and long-term regional stability.

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