Nine countries send observers for Myanmar’s elections

Nine countries have dispatched observers for the first phase of Myanmar’s elections, which begins today, according to a diplomatic source.

The source said that Vietnam and Cambodia are the only two ASEAN members to have sent observers to the elections, which will be held in three phases.

This is the first election since the military coup in February 2021. The second phase is scheduled for Jan 11 and the final one on Jan 25.

Russia, China, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Japan and Nicaragua also sent officials to observe the internationally condemned elections.

Russia is represented by Sholban Kara-Ool, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, and Mr. Igor Borisov, a member of the Central Election Commission. China’s delegation is led by Deng Xijun, Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Asian Affairs.

Vietnam’s delegation is led by Nguyen Duc Thinh, Head of the Department of External Relations of the Communist Party. Cambodia’s delegation is led by Yich Sameth, a member of the Central Election Commission.

Japan is represented by the Myanmar–Japan Friendship Association and private-sector representatives.

The source said that, at this juncture, the Myanmar authorities have not said that Thailand has sent any representative. At the ASEAN-related summits in October, ASEAN expressed the hope that the elections would be inclusive, free and fair.

Human rights and non-governmental organizations around the world have condemned the polls as a sham electoral exercise that will legitimize the absolute power of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.