On this International Day of Democracy, the ITUC Asia-Pacific unequivocally condemns the sham elections planned by the military junta in Myanmar, a blatant attempt to legitimise its illegitimate rule. This orchestrated process is nothing more than a dangerous illusion of democracy — designed to whitewash the military junta’s crimes and entrench authoritarian power. Elections under these conditions — without genuine competition, with major parties banned or dissolved, under draconian new laws, and amid widespread human rights abuses — can never be free, fair, or credible.
The people of Myanmar and the world have already seen the military abuse unarmed civilians and steal their votes twice in two decades. It is unthinkable for citizens to participate in a military-organised “general election.” Since the 2021 coup, the junta has unleashed widespread atrocities: extrajudicial imprisonments, forced conscription that sends youth to the killing fields, the bombing and burning of villages, and mass displacement, resulting in increased internally displaced persons and undocumented cross-border migrants. These crimes must be accounted for and cannot be ignored before any election in Myanmar.
Elections are not a symbolic ritual; they are the foundation upon which democratic societies are built. Through elections, citizens exercise their most powerful and peaceful tool to determine the direction of their country, to hold leaders accountable, and to push for policies that advance justice, equality, and decent work. When conducted with integrity — under conditions of freedom of expression, assembly, and association, with full participation of all political actors and the protection of independent institutions — elections serve as the lifeblood of democracy.
For working people, this integrity matters deeply. Democratically elected governments are more likely to create the space for respecting trade union rights, engaging in genuine social dialogue, and legislating for fair wages, safe workplaces, strong public services, and environmental sustainability. Conversely, sham elections and authoritarian rule often go hand-in-hand with the suppression of unions, attacks on workers’ rights, and policies that entrench inequality.
The trade union movement has a vital stake in defending electoral democracy — not as a peripheral political issue, but as a core condition for securing social and economic justice. To compromise on electoral integrity is to compromise on workers’ rights, human dignity, and the very possibility of building a fairer society.
In the spirit of solidarity and restoring democracy in Myanmar, the ITUC-Asia Pacific calls on its affiliates and the international trade union movement to uphold democratic integrity and prevent the junta from gaining legitimacy through these sham elections by taking the following actions:
Publicly denounce the junta’s elections as fraudulent and refuse to recognise or engage with any outcomes. Urge governments to withhold technical, financial, or diplomatic support for the electoral process , and press parliaments to adopt resolutions explicitly denying recognition of the military’s planned “general election.” The aim is clear: deny legitimacy to the elections and any results stemming from this orchestrated exercise.
Maintain and strengthen solidarity with the Confederation of Trade Unions, Myanmar (CTUM) and the National Unity Government (NUG). Support their calls for a swift and peaceful restoration of democracy, and continue efforts to isolate the junta through coordinated international solidarity.
Urge your national governments to fully implement the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference in June 2025 under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution. This means reviewing and cutting ties that enable the junta and its violent repression of workers and employers, ensuring no support flows to the military authorities, protecting Myanmar trade unionists and human rights defenders, and reporting concrete actions taken.
Push for targeted sanctions, trade restrictions (e.g. jet fuel, dual use goods), and coordinated diplomatic isolation to increase pressure on the junta and reduce its capacity to conduct sham polls.
Use the wealth of ITUC-Asia Pacific resources — infographics, reports, social media posts — to highlight the magnitude and depth of the human rights, labour, and democratic crisis in Myanmar. Engage the media, civil society, and international bodies to keep Myanmar at the centre of global attention and urgency.
Facilitate the participation of Myanmar trade unionists in international forums (e.g. ILO, United Nations) so they can present their firsthand experiences and ensure their voices are central in shaping international responses and actions on Myanmar.
In 2025, elections should stand as the highest expression of democratic choice. Instead, the Myanmar junta is weaponising them to legitimise oppression. Let us unite in principled action to uphold the sanctity of democracy.
On this International Day for Democracy, ITUC-Asia Pacific calls on its affiliates, employers, governments, and democratic institutions to act decisively: denounce the junta’s sham election, refuse to recognise its outcomes, and stand unwaveringly with Myanmar’s labour movement and democratic forces.
Democracy must not be a façade. To ensure genuine democracy, we must wield our strongest weapon: solidarity.
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