UN chief calls for credible transition to democracy after Myanmar polls

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on a visit to Yangon, Myanmar on 3 July 2009

8 November 2010 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged authorities in Myanmar

to ensure a credible transition towards democracy following the “insufficiently inclusive”
vote held on Sunday in the South-east Asian nation.

The election, the first to be held in the country in 20 years, is part of a Government-
designed timetable towards greater democratization.

A statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said the voting was held in conditions that
were “insufficiently inclusive, participatory and transparent.”

The Secretary-General believes the Myanmar authorities now have a responsibility to

turn the conclusion of the election into a “new beginning” for the country and its people,
it added.

“Consistent with their commitments, the authorities must demonstrate that the ballot is
part of a credible transition towards democratic government, national reconciliation and
respect for human rights.”

Mr. Ban urged the Myanmar authorities to release all remaining political prisoners and
lift restrictions on detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi without further
delay so that they can freely participate in the political life of their country.

He also urged the authorities to ensure that the process of forming new institutions of
government is as broad-based and inclusive as possible.

“The international community will look to the Myanmar authorities to provide greater
assurances that the current process marks a genuine departure from the status quo,” the
statement added.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General voiced concern about reports of outbreaks of fighting

in some areas and urged all sides to “refrain from any action that could raise tensions
further or create instability at this sensitive time.”

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