ASEAN, dialogue partners push ceasefire, talks in Myanmar, say elections not a priority

KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN and its dialogue partners have asserted that holding elections in Myanmar is not a current priority, emphasising instead the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and inclusive dialogue to de-escalate the ongoing crisis.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the focus remains on fully implementing ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which calls for, among other things, an immediate end to violence, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders in Myanmar.

"Our concern is that election is not a priority at the moment. Our priority is to (achieve) ceasefire, to de-escalate, and to talk to each other - to have a dialogue with all the factions and stakeholders," he told reporters after chairing the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Friday.

He said the 5PC, adopted by ASEAN in 2021, does not include elections as a condition, despite Myanmar's recent proposal to hold one.

Mohamad added that conducting elections without the participation of all parties would worsen the situation and prolong instability in the region.

"There's no point in having a partial election. It won't solve the problem - it will only make things worse," he said.

He said ASEAN, through each of its chairs, had appointed special envoys to engage with all stakeholders in Myanmar and to push for broader, sustained ceasefire commitments.

"It must be expanded across Myanmar so that all its people can return to a normal life," he said.

On May 25, Mohamad said ASEAN has urged Myanmar to fully comply with the 5PC as a prerequisite for holding any elections in the country.

He said ASEAN has conveyed a clear, strong, and consistent message to Myanmar that any discussion on elections must take place only after the full implementation of the 5PC.