The spokesperson of the European External Action Service welcomed on Monday 9 November the high turnout and peaceful conduct of the general elections in Myanmar.
These elections “mark another important milestone in the democratic transition” of the country, he said in a statement, recalling that the EU is a “long-standing supporter of the democratic process” in Myanmar.
“Once the official result is announced, all parties should engage constructively for good governance and democratic reforms. A tolerant approach to different points of view and a lively debate to find solutions to political challenges are crucial”, he warned.
Recalling that the 2008 Constitution poses “significant limitations to a fully democratic process” and restricts the exercise of fundamental rights by all, the spokesperson stressed that the EU continues to call for the full integration of all ethnic, religious, and minority groups in the country, including the Rohingya, and to guarantee the legitimate civil and political rights of all.
The spokesperson hoped that “by-elections will be held as soon as possible in those constituencies where the November election could not take place”, asserting that this would also be crucial for the democratic process. In the longer term, the spokesperson called on the country’s authorities to improve the electoral regulatory framework in accordance with international standards and best practices, which would help to enhance “public trust in and credibility of the electoral process”.
On Monday 9 November, Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party claimed a “landslide victory” in the elections. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)