Over 170 civil society organizations from Myanmar, Japan, and across the globe have issued an open letter urging the Japanese government to lead international efforts to stop the Myanmar military junta’s planned election later this year.
The letter, published on October 6th, calls on Japan to collaborate closely with other democracies to prevent what it describes as a “sham election” from moving forward. It also requests Japanese support for Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement as it works to establish a federal democracy.
The groups welcomed a recent statement from Japan’s Foreign Minister expressing grave concern over the worsening crisis in Myanmar and the junta’s election plan. Japan’s statement noted that any vote held under current conditions—marked by ongoing violence and thousands of imprisoned political leaders—would only provoke further backlash and hinder peaceful resolution.
The organizations argue that the military junta lacks both the legal authority and popular legitimacy to hold an election and does not control large parts of the country, making a credible vote impossible. They also state that the junta’s recent lifting of the state of emergency is not a genuine step forward but a tactical move to enable its election plan.
The letter calls on Japan to take three concrete steps: work with ASEAN and democratic nations to block the election, strengthen international opposition to the junta, and end all official engagement with the military regime while instead working with democratic representatives.
It also expresses concern that Japanese development assistance and public funds could inadvertently support the junta, and calls for a suspension of all ongoing yen loan projects to Myanmar.
The groups emphasized that Japan’s moral leadership and diplomatic influence will be crucial in preventing an election they say would only deepen violence and instability in Myanmar and the wider region.
