Kuala lumpur: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed doubt Monday over the fairness of upcoming general elections in Myanmar, stressing the need to provide humanitarian assistance and to stop the violence in the civil-war-ridden country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres stated, ‘I don’t think anybody believes that those elections will be free and fair,’ during a news conference in Malaysia on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The junta in Myanmar has announced general elections to be held on Dec. 28 this year, marking the first electoral event since the military coup of February 2021.

Guterres further remarked, ‘I don’t think anybody believes those elections will contribute to the solution of the problems of Myanmar.’ He emphasized the importance of increasing humanitarian aid, ceasing violence, and paving the way for a political transition towards civilian governance and constitutional respect.

The last general elections in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist nation, were conducted in November 2020. The National League for Democracy won those elections, but their government was subsequently overthrown in a military coup in February 2021, leading to over four years of emergency rule.