Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on May 10 that attempts by some ASEAN member states to continue restrictions and discriminatory measures against the country’s new government amount to disregarding the democratic will of the Myanmar people.

In a statement, the ministry said Myanmar successfully held a “free and fair” multiparty general election between December 2025 and January 2026. It said more than 13.13 million people voted out of 24.23 million eligible voters, leading to the formation of a new government headed by a president elected by parliament.

The ministry also defended the annulment of the 2020 election, claiming investigations uncovered more than 11.3 million cases of electoral irregularities among 38.2 million eligible voters. It said those responsible for alleged fraud and corruption were prosecuted under the law, leading to the holding of a new election in December 2025.

According to the statement, most ASEAN member states have recognized Myanmar’s recent political developments and expressed willingness to strengthen engagement and cooperation with the country. However, it accused a small number of ASEAN members of continuing restrictions, discriminatory actions, and excluding Myanmar from equal representation while interfering in its internal affairs through criticism and pressure, which it said violated the principles of the ASEAN Charter.

Myanmar said it has actively participated in ASEAN processes since joining the bloc in 1997 and has continued fulfilling its obligations as a responsible member state, including annual contributions to ASEAN activities and mechanisms.

The ministry added that although Myanmar has faced unequal treatment from certain ASEAN countries over the past five years, it has remained patient and cooperative. It said ongoing efforts to maintain such measures under the new government ignore the wishes of Myanmar citizens who “lawfully exercised their democratic rights” through voting.

Myanmar also expressed appreciation to ASEAN member states that have supported what it described as the country’s positive developments and said it would continue pursuing peace, stability, prosperity, and the protection of citizens’ rights through a “Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led process” based on the country’s current situation.