EU, Australia say Myanmar vote ‘not credible’ amid junta repression

The European Union and Australia warned that Myanmar’s upcoming elections will lack credibility, saying the junta is pushing ahead with the polls amid widespread violence, repression and fear.In a statement issued Monday, the EU said the vote planned for later this month fails to meet even the most basic standards for free, fair or inclusive participation. It cited “grave human rights violations” by the junta, including torture, arbitrary arrests, gender-based violence, persecution of journalists and civil society, and sweeping restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Ongoing conflict across large parts of the country and the exclusion of key political actors further undermine any prospect of a legitimate process, the bloc said.In October, Wouter Beke MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said both regional and international actors must condemn the elections.“Once again, we strongly condemn the ongoing violence in Myanmar, sham planned elections and human rights abuses,” Wouter Beke said.“We call for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus peace plan, intensified sanctions, increased support for the democratic resistance, and urgent humanitarian aid. We demand accountability and stand firmly with the people of Myanmar in their fight for democracy and peace.” The EU also accused the military of using the election as a tool to legitimise its rule rather than restore genuine democracy, noting that the conditions “clearly do not meet international standards.”It reiterated calls for an end to violence, unfettered humanitarian access and an inclusive political dialogue. Australia issued a parallel statement on Tuesday, saying it held “grave concerns” about the political and humanitarian crisis and condemning the military’s airstrikes and attacks on civilians. Canberra, Australia’s capital, also noted credible reports of abuses by other armed groups.“We are seriously concerned that elections held without these conditions will lead to greater instability and prevent a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, with grave consequences for the people of Myanmar,” the statement read.“The current situation in Myanmar falls short of what is needed for free, fair and inclusive elections.” The Australian government highlighted that any credible political process requires the release of all unjustly detained people, an end to violence and dialogue among all stakeholders. Elections held without these conditions, it warned, would deepen instability and further harm civilians.In contrast, China has avoided criticising the polls, calling the election an internal matter and urging stability and dialogue. India has taken a similar stance, backing a “Myanmar-led Myanmar owned” process while maintaining practical ties with the junta.Russia has gone further, endorsing the junta’s roadmap and portraying the vote as a step toward restoring power. Yet both the EU and Australia underlined that they stand with the people of Myanmar as the junta pushes ahead with a vote widely dismissed by observers as a pretext to entrench military power.“Our commitment to universal human rights reflects our national values,” the Australian government said.“Australia will continue to stand with the people of Myanmar, who have demonstrated great resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.” Related story https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/junta-calls-off-vote-in-thousands-of-wards-village-tracts-as-election-draws-near/

EU, Australia say Myanmar vote ‘not credible’ amid junta repression

Statements from both governments say the military is staging elections under pervasive fear, violence and restrictions on basic freedoms

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