UN chief calls for inclusive dialogue of Myanmar stakeholders after general election

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi over phone on her party's success in the Nov. 8 elections in Myanmar and called for cooperation and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders.

Ban congratulated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) on its resounding success, while highlighting that "Suu Kyi's appeal to her supporters for a calm and peaceful electoral process as well as for a dignified acceptance of its results, is evidence of her vision and statesmanship."

Ban emphasised that "the elections were a defining moment in the reform process and have opened up real potential for Myanmar to thrive as an inclusive, harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy."

To that end, the secretary-general stressed that "cooperation and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including those representing ethnic groups, religious minorities as well as civil society, was essential."

Suu Kyi is the chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD). In the Nov. 8 general election, the NLD won an absolute majority or over 50 percent of the total seats in the Union Parliament. The party has the right to form a new government independently under the constitution.

Ban said the United Nations would continue to support its democratic reform efforts and remain a steady partner of the country as it faces its future challenges. Endit