UN chief Guterres doubts legitimacy of Myanmar's planned elections

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cast serious doubt on the credibility of the general elections planned by Myanmar's military junta, asserting a widespread belief that the polls will lack fairness. His remarks were made during a press conference in Malaysia, held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, where he emphasized that the scheduled vote is not seen as a viable solution to the country's protracted crisis.

Calls for Aid and a Political Path

Guterres outlined what he sees as the necessary steps for Myanmar, shifting focus from the elections to immediate humanitarian and political needs. "I think this is the moment in which we need to increase humanitarian assistance, to stop the violence, and at the same time to pave the way for a political evolution leading to civilian rule," he stated. This call highlights the international community's priority for a genuine political process over what many deem a predetermined electoral exercise.

Background of the Political Crisis

The upcoming December 28 polls are the first to be announced since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, which abruptly ended the nation's brief democratic transition. The coup overturned the results of the November 2020 general election, which had been decisively won by the National League for Democracy. The military's assumption of power plunged the Southeast Asian country into a state of emergency and triggered widespread civil unrest that has evolved into a severe humanitarian emergency.

International Stance on the Junta

The Secretary-General's skepticism reflects a broader international consensus that questions the military government's commitment to a democratic process. With the nation engulfed in civil conflict, the prospect of holding inclusive and credible elections is widely viewed as unattainable, putting the junta's planned political roadmap at odds with the demands of both the domestic opposition and global actors.