Obama congratulates Myanmar president, Suu Kyi on historic election

U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Myanmar's President Thein Sein and opposition party leader Aung San Suu Kyi for successfully staging "the historic parliamentary election," the White House said Thursday.

In a phone call made on Wednesday night, Obama offered Thein Sein "his congratulations to the people of Burma for their participation" in Sunday's election, the White House said in a press release.

"The two leaders discussed the importance for all parties to respect the official results once announced and to work together with a spirit of unity to form an inclusive, representative government that reflects the will of the people," the White House said.

In his call with Suu Kyi, Obama "commended her for her tireless efforts and sacrifice over so many years to promote a more inclusive, peaceful, and democratic Burma."

Earlier results showed that Suu Kyi's party, the National League of Democracy (NLD) has won more than 80 percent of the seats declared so far in the lower house.

NLD is also well ahead in the upper house and regional assemblies. The result is yet to be confirmed by the election commission.

On Wednesday, Thein Sein endorsed Suu Kyi's victory, offering congratulation to the opposition NLD on its success in polls.

"The government will respect the decision of the people's choice and decision, and will work on transferring power peacefully according to the timetable," Thein Sein's spokesman said on the Facebook.

Obama "noted that the election and formation of a new government could be an important step forward in Burma's democratic transition and the effort to forge a more peaceful and prosperous future."

Sunday's general election was the second in Myanmar after the previous military government handed over state power to a civilian government in 2011 through the first election in 2010. Enditem