ASEAN Leaders Call On Myanmar To Hold Fair Election Preceded By Ending Violence
ASEAN leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary framework for addressing the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, while voicing deep concern over the continued violence and lack of substantive progress in implementing the agreement.
Meeting in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, the leaders endorsed recommendations from the 37th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, calling for stronger and more coordinated regional efforts to support Myanmar’s return to peace, stability, and democracy.
In their joint review, ASEAN leaders denounced ongoing attacks against civilians and infrastructure in Myanmar and urged all parties, particularly the armed forces, to immediately cease violence, protect civilians, and enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The leaders emphasised that Myanmar remains an integral member of ASEAN and reiterated the bloc’s readiness to continue assisting the country in achieving a “peaceful, Myanmar-owned and -led political resolution.”
“ASEAN’s priority remains restoring peace and stability in Myanmar through an inclusive dialogue that truly reflects the aspirations of its people,” the statement read.
The Summit commended Malaysia’s efforts as ASEAN Chair, particularly through the special envoy mechanism and recent diplomatic engagements with Myanmar’s stakeholders. The leaders highlighted the joint humanitarian mission led by the foreign ministers of Malaysia and Thailand in April 2025, as well as the working visit by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister to Nay Pyi Taw earlier this month.
The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) was recognised for its continued role in delivering aid under Phase 1 (life-saving/COVID-19 response) and Phase 2 (life-sustaining) programmes. Leaders urged international partners, including the United Nations, to scale up financial and logistical support to sustain humanitarian operations for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Among the key decisions adopted:
- Reaffirmation of the Five-Point Consensus as the main reference framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis.
- Call for a full and expanded ceasefire throughout Myanmar, as reaffirmed in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement of May 2025.
- Continuation of inclusive engagement with all relevant stakeholders to build trust and pave the way for national dialogue.
- Encouragement for partners and donors to bolster funding for ASEAN’s humanitarian response.
- Tasking senior officials to study the creation of a longer-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to ensure continuity and coordination.
- Maintenance of Myanmar’s non-political representation at ASEAN Summits and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings until meaningful progress is achieved.
The leaders also noted Myanmar’s plan to hold general elections in December 2025, stressing that free, fair, transparent, and credible elections must be preceded by an end to violence and the start of inclusive dialogue.
ASEAN underscored that the Myanmar crisis should not undermine the bloc’s community-building agenda or decision-making processes. The leaders pledged to continue working closely with Myanmar’s neighbours, external partners, and the UN to address transnational challenges arising from the conflict — including human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, and cross-border scams.
The joint statement concluded by mandating the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to monitor progress and report on the implementation of these decisions at the next ASEAN Summit.
