On March 21, Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, articulated grave worries about Myanmar’s military junta’s ambition to hold national elections by January 2026. This announcement, made by junta leader Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to Belarus, has provoked concerns regarding the lack of political progress in Myanmar, particularly the detention of prominent figures like Aung San Suu Kyi.
Iwaya stated that the Japanese government fears that conducting elections amidst such political turmoil will only exacerbate resistance from the Myanmar populace, hindering the path towards peace. Since the coup in February 2021, the junta has been responsible for severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and torture, aimed at suppressing dissent and consolidating its power.
Additionally, the junta’s grip on power is tenuous, with vast regions outside its control, prompting doubts about the credibility of any elections. A controversial census last October, supposedly aimed at voter registration, appeared instead to serve as a tool of oppression against opposition supporters, with the junta only managing to survey less than half of the country’s townships.
Japan’s concerns resonate beyond its borders, with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister suggesting that elections are not the priority for Myanmar at this time. Furthermore, UN human rights experts have called for international recognition of these proposed elections as fraudulent.
Japan’s proactive stance is laudable; however, it must rally more nations, particularly those within ASEAN, South Korea, and India, to vocalise their disapproval. It’s crucial to prevent any support for a process that cannot guarantee credible, fair, or free elections, ensuring the voice of the Myanmar people is heard amidst this turmoil.
Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, voiced serious concerns over Myanmar’s military junta’s announcement of elections planned for January 2026, stressing the absence of political progress and ongoing human rights abuses. Calls for other nations to join in rejecting the junta’s plans emphasize the chaotic environment that cannot support credible elections, with further international voices joining in the condemnation.
The situation in Myanmar remains critical as the junta prepares for elections without any significant political progress. Japan’s concerns highlight the growing international resistance to the junta’s plans. It’s imperative for global allies to unite and condemn the junta’s strategies, supporting the need for a genuine dialogue and significant reforms to ensure a future where the aspirations of the people are respected.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
