Archive · 20 Jan 2026
ASEAN Rejects Myanmar Election Observers
ASEAN, a group of 11 countries in Southeast Asia, has decided not to send people to watch Myanmar's election.
They also said they won't say the election is fair because of this.
Myanmar's military has been in charge since 2021, and many people think the election is just a way for the military to stay in power.
ASEAN is also working with China to make rules for activities in the South China Sea, where there are disputes over who owns what.
China says most of the sea belongs to them, which makes things complicated for other countries nearby.
ASEAN will not send observers to Myanmar's ongoing election, thus not endorsing the poll.
The election has been criticized by the UN, Western countries, and rights groups as a ploy to legitimize military rule.
Myanmar's military-allied party leads with 88% of contested lower house seats in the first phase.
ASEAN is finalizing a code of conduct with China regarding activities in the South China Sea.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, complicating activities for neighboring countries.
- Who
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Myanmar
- What
- ASEAN's decision not to send election observers to Myanmar's election and the ongoing discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea
- When
- The decision was announced on January 20, with the election process ongoing and the code of conduct expected to be concluded this year
- Where
- Myanmar and the South China Sea region
- Why
- ASEAN rejected Myanmar's request for observers, citing the election's lack of legitimacy, and is working on a code of conduct with China to manage activities in the South China Sea
- Organization
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- Country
- Myanmar
- Event
- Election
- ASEAN Members
- 11
- Military Party
- Union Solidarity and Development Party
- Seats Won
- 88% of contested lower house seats
- South China Sea
- Code of conduct in final stages
- Beijing's Claim
- Sovereignty over most of the South China Sea