Brussels, 09/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - The official results of the parliamentary elections held in Burma/Myanmar on Sunday 8 November have still not been published but High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has already congratulated the Burmese on what, in her words, is “a historic milestone on the country's road to democracy”.
The fact that these elections were conducted “in an overall calm, peaceful and organised way across the country”, to use Mogherini's words, is already an important ingredient in the success of the process which aims to give a civilian face back to a state that has for long been governed by a military junta. If “the impressive turnout” of around 80% is added, there is every indication that the Burmese people wanted to show their resolve for “continued democratisation” of Burma/Myanmar, in Mogherini's view.
The National League for Democracy, of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has already announced a crushing victory. However, there is still caution in the air, as witnessed by the advice given by Mogherini: “In the post-election period, it will be critical for all sides to accept the results in a spirit of national unity and reconciliation”, she said.
Vice-President of the European Parliament Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (ALDE, Germany) led the EU observation mission for these elections. He is due to present his opinion on Tuesday 10 November, but has already said on television channel Arte that international standards were respected in these first free elections organised in the country in 25 years. (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)