Myanmar: A Truce Leading to a Vote
In the aftermath of the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been leading diplomatic efforts to end the war and restore civilian rule. The regional bloc, which includes Malaysia as the current rotating chair, has been focused on implementing the ASEAN Leaders' Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the main framework for addressing the political crisis.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has stated that elections are not a priority at the moment, with the focus instead on achieving a ceasefire and urging all parties to hold back. This sentiment was echoed at a recent ASEAN meeting, where Myanmar was represented by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, the conflict in Myanmar continues to escalate, with ongoing violence documented on the ground. The military regime, which seized power after the National League for Democracy won the 2020 elections with an overwhelming majority, has been postponing the date of promised elections, and the United States has labeled any elections under the military regime as a "sham."
ASEAN has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflicts and the humanitarian situation, consistently urging all parties to halt violence, exercise restraint, and allow humanitarian aid. The organization has also strongly supported the work of its Special Envoy, H.E. Tan Sri Othman Hashim, who has engaged diverse stakeholders inside Myanmar and beyond, aiming to foster an inclusive and sustainable resolution.
Despite these efforts, the military-led government has excluded regime members from ASEAN meetings, and the ASEAN's public statements have reaffirmed commitment to the 5PC but have not yet succeeded in ending the conflict or restoring civilian rule. Some foreign ministers at the recent ASEAN meeting called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a prominent figure from the democratic camp who has been detained since the coup.
The ASEAN Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, made a statement, but did not specify which foreign ministers called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The organization has also welcomed ASEAN-led platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to help promote dialogue and endorsed the creation of a permanent envoy to Myanmar to strengthen diplomatic engagement.
However, the military-led government only officially lifted the state of emergency in 2025 after four years, signaling persistent instability and incomplete political resolution. The ASEAN's diplomatic efforts have provided a regional framework and sustained dialogue attempts but have not yet succeeded in halting violence or achieving a political settlement, facing significant challenges from ongoing armed conflict, Myanmar’s internal dynamics, and the broader geopolitical context involving actors like China.
The ASEAN, which has been criticized as a toothless talking shop, is struggling to implement a five-point consensus peace plan agreed upon by all leaders of the bloc, including the Myanmar regime, in April 2021. The organization continues to reiterate the need for all parties to create a conducive environment for peace talks and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and to foster dialogue through ASEAN-led platforms.
In the face of these challenges, the ASEAN's diplomatic efforts remain crucial in providing a regional framework for resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The organization will continue to work towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution, with the hope of restoring democracy and civilian rule in the country.
- The ASEAN, despite facing criticism as a toothless talking shop, continues to work diligently in providing a regional framework for resolving the war-and-conflicts in Myanmar, focusing on fostering dialogue and creating a conducive environment for peace talks.
- Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and other foreign ministers at the recent ASEAN meeting urge all parties in the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar to hold back, prioritizing a ceasefire over elections, pointing to the escalating violence and humanitarian concerns in politics related general-news.
