Myanmar Snubs ASEAN Ministers Ahead of Election Talks

A planned ASEAN ministerial visit to Myanmar has been abruptly called off after the junta declined to receive the delegation, casting fresh doubt over the regime’s promised general election later this year.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s trip to Myanmar, scheduled for 19 September, had been postponed due to “unavoidable circumstances.” The visit was to be part of an ASEAN fact-finding mission, involving ministers from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, aimed at assessing the junta’s election roadmap following the formal end of its state of emergency.

The cancellation follows reports that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing refused to meet the delegation, prompting speculation that Myanmar’s military leadership is unwilling to entertain ASEAN’s calls for a comprehensive and credible poll. Despite announcing elections to begin on 28 December, the junta still maintains emergency rule in 63 townships—raising concerns about the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the process.

Mohamad Hasan had previously stated his intention to seek clarity on the election’s scope, noting that “the country has lifted the state of emergency, but these 63 areas remain under emergency rule.” His findings were to be presented to ASEAN leaders in October.

Myanmar’s military regime, which seized power in 2021, has faced mounting criticism for its violent crackdown on dissent. Over 7,200 people have reportedly been killed, mostly for political activism, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. ASEAN’s five-point peace plan has been largely ignored, and the bloc has barred junta leaders from attending its summits.

While ASEAN continues to push for dialogue, Myanmar’s generals appear to be leaning on support from China and India, both of which have refrained from questioning the election plan. Critics argue that ASEAN’s principle of non-interference has hampered meaningful progress, leaving the bloc sidelined in efforts to resolve the crisis.

The delegation’s visit may be rescheduled for early October, but the junta’s reluctance to engage suggests that regional diplomacy faces an uphill battle.

-2025-09-21