US offers congratulations on election

YANGON — The election in Myanmar on Sunday was a testament to the courage and sacrifice shown by its people over many decades, the United States said in a statement issued by Secretary of State John Kerry.
 
The Myanmar people had seized the opportunity to move the country one step closer to a democracy that respected the rights of all, Mr Kerry said in the statement, issued in Washington.
 
Congratulating the Myanmar people on the election, Mr Kerry said that while it was an important step forward, the US recognised that it was far from perfect.
 
“There remain important structural and systemic impediments to the realisation of full democratic and civilian government,” Mr Kerry said.
 
They included the reservation of a large number of unelected seats for the military; the disenfranchisement of groups of people who voted in previous elections, including the Rohingya; and, the disqualification of candidates based on the arbitrary application of citizenship and residency requirements, the statement said.
 
Mr Kerry said the US had closely monitored the electoral process and would continue to watch the vote counting process.
 
He said a peaceful post-election period was crucial for maintaining stability and maintaining confidence in the credibility of the election process and the overall political transition.
 
“The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, development, and national reconciliation going forward,” Mr Kerry said.
 

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