UN chief congratulates Myanmar on "historic elections"

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has "warmly congratulated the people of Myanmar for their peaceful, dignified and enthusiastic participation in the historic elections of 8 November."

The UN chief welcomed this as a significant achievement in Myanmar's democratic transition," Ban's spokesman said in a statement.

"He acknowledges, in particular, the courage and vision of President Thein Sein whose leadership in the reform process has helped achieve progress to this defining stage."

Meanwhile, the secretary-general on Thursday also commended Myanmar's Union Election Commission (UEC), political parties, domestic and international observers and all others who tirelessly contributed to making these elections such a significant success, the statement said.

"While saying this, he is regretfully aware that a large number of voters from minority communities, in particular the Rohingya, were denied the right to vote and some were disqualified as candidates," it said.

UEC Wednesday announced that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has won Sunday's general election and was re-elected as a representative to the House of Representatives (Lower House) of the next parliament.

Representing her National League for Democracy (NLD), Suu Kyi, who is the party chairperson, competed in Yangon's Kawhmu constituency mainly against rival U Kyaw Zin Hein, candidate of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and won by 54,676-15,312.

The NLD was established in September 1988 after the military takeover led by then General Saw Maung who was later succeeded by Senior General Than Shwe.

In the 2010 general election, U Thein Sein was elected as the country's president of the first civilian government with the state power transferred from Than Shwe's military government.

"The secretary-general extends his warm congratulations to the National League for Democracy (NLD) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for their landmark performance at the elections and to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) for its dignified acceptance of the verdict of the people," the statement said. "The Army's support to the conduct of credible and transparent elections as well as its acceptance of the results, have also been uniquely important."

"The secretary-general is encouraged by the statements of political and military leaders and other relevant actors," the statement said. "As Myanmar begins the process of forming its next government, the Secretary-General urges all national stakeholders to maintain a calm atmosphere and uphold human rights and the rule of law."

"There is much hard work that remains ahead on Myanmar's democratic journey and towards making future elections truly inclusive," the statement said.

"The people and leaders of Myanmar have it within their power to come together to build a better future for their country, a future where peace and development take firm root on the foundations of inclusivity, respect and tolerance, where the human rights of all are protected regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or gender, and where no one is marginalized, vulnerable, and discriminated against."

"The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to continue to support efforts in Myanmar to consolidate democracy and advance justice, peace, human rights and development for the benefit of all the people of the country," the statement said.

Vijay Nambiar, the UN secretary-general's special adviser on Myanmar, will continue to work with all stakeholders and relevant political forces toward this goal, it added. Enditem