ASIA/MYANMAR - Aung San Suu Kyi’s party wins: now national reconciliation

Wednesday, 11 November 2015 democracy   elections   reconciliation   human rights  

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "National League for Democracy", the party of the leader Aung San Suu Kyi announces that it has obtained over 70% of the vote in the elections held on November 8 in Myanmar, gaining at least 78 seats out of 88 in Parliament. Mervyn Thomas, director of the NGO "Christian Solidarity Worldwide" (CSW), who has been closely following the events, in a note sent to Fides observes: "It is a very important and historic achievement. The elections were not free and fair, thousands of citizens were disenfranchised and, in some places, the candidates of the League suffered threats and pressures". The Constitution limits the power of government but "the people of Myanmar expressed their desire for change", he continues. Meanwhile, the military party officially admitted its defeat. However, some provisions in the Constitution prevents Aung San Suu Kyi becoming president, and guarantee the military 25% of the seats in Parliament, giving the military control over the appointment of several ministers, such as those of the Interior and Foreign Affairs. Aung San Suu Kyi’s party in Parliament will now face the challenge of trying to elect a president. "There are many pressing issues, such as peace and national reconciliation. Now we need to remain vigilant and continue to work and pray for the change that the people of Burma want so strongly", concludes the statement of CSW. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2015)


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