MYANMAR has conducted phase I of the multiparty democratic general election successfully. Even this single phase of the election established an important milestone for the nation. At the same time, it marks a political and historical milestone in which voters exercised their right to vote, expressed their will, and were able to experience and realize the essence of democracy.
An election is not solely about selecting national leaders or Hluttaw representatives; it is a process that highlights and reflects democratic values such as inclusive public participation, freedom and fairness, responsibility, and accountability. Owing to the collective efforts of elected representatives, political parties, administrative bodies, and international election observers who monitored and documented the various aspects of the election process, phase I of the election was successfully conducted and deserves to be commended and recorded.
Throughout the election process, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the people of Myanmar will place on historical record the international election observers who monitored the process impartially, as well as all domestic and international media. Such observation not only helps to strengthen freedom, fairness, and transparency, but also firmly builds trust among the Union Election Commission, political parties, Hluttaw candidates, voters, and all those involved in the election.
Thanks to the international election observers and all media, the efforts of subcommissions of the Election Commission, polling station staff, security personnel, civil society organizations, those who assisted in all sectors to ensure the success of the election, political parties, and in particular the voters who came to cast their ballots with a strong sense of civic duty, were made known to the international community in a timely manner. As a result, the true conditions of Myanmar’s election have now become known worldwide.
A total of 4,863 candidates from 57 political parties, including independent candidates, will contest in relevant phases of the election. All political parties and Hluttaw candidates have been granted equal opportunities to campaign in accordance with the law and relevant regulations. Nationwide, there are a total of 21,517 polling stations, each staffed with systematically trained officers and polling station members. Arrangements have been made to ensure that voters at polling stations are able to cast their ballots freely, transparently, conveniently, and with ease. It is firmly believed and hoped that the successful conduct of the election will help advance Myanmar in a positive direction.
