The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement on 10 May 2026. The full text of the press statement is as follows: –

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar successfully held a free and fair multiparty democratic general election between December 2025 and January 2026. Out of 24.23 million eligible voters nationwide, more than 13.13 million cast their votes according to their own free will. As a result, a new government led by the President elected by the Parliament, chosen by the people has now assumed the responsibilities of the State.

In the 2020 general election, the then-ruling government committed severe electoral irregularities. Following complaints from political parties and the public regarding the lack of fairness in the election, investigation and verification were carried out.
Due to the findings of significant irregularities involving over 11.3 million cases out of 38.2 million eligible voters, it was addressed according to the law. Consequently, those responsible for attempting to retain power through fraudulent means were duly prosecuted before the Court in accordance with the law, upon the establishment of clear and sufficient evidence of corruption and other criminal offences. Therefore, a new free and fair general election was held in December 2025.

The positive developments taking place in Myanmar have been well recognized by the majority of ASEAN Member States, many of which have expressed their readiness to further enhance engagement and cooperation with Myanmar. However, it is observed that a few Member States continue to maintain restrictions, discriminatory measures, and the exclusion of the Myanmar Government from equal representation, while interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs through criticism and pressure, in violation of the fundamental principles enshrined in Article 2, Chapter I of the ASEAN Charter.
Since joining ASEAN in 1997, Myanmar has actively participated in ASEAN processes in accordance with the ASEAN consensus and principles. Furthermore, as a responsible Member State, Myanmar has consistently fulfilled its duties and obligations as an ASEAN Member State, including making annual contributions for ASEAN mechanisms and activities.

Over the past five years, despite facing unequal treatment arising from the positions of certain ASEAN Member States, Myanmar has exercised patience and continued to cooperate in accordance with its obligations as a Member State. Attempts to continue such non-constructive engagement with the new government of Myanmar disregard the genuine will of the Myanmar people, who exercised their democratic rights through lawful voting.

Although a consensus has yet to be reached on Myanmar within ASEAN, Myanmar continues to maintain bilateral engagements with ASEAN Member States. Myanmar deeply appreciates to the majority of ASEAN Members States that have supported the positive developments taking place in Myanmar.

Myanmar will continue to pursue peace, stability, prosperity, and the protection of the fundamental rights and interests of the people of Myanmar through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led process aligned with the country’s prevailing circumstances.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nay Pyi Taw

10 May 2026