YANGON, Oct 10 — The Myanmar government said Malaysia has assured ASEAN’s support for its election slated for December 28 this year, and has pledged to send observer teams to the polls.
State media The Global New Light of Myanmar reported Friday that visiting Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has conveyed ASEAN’s cooperation for the elections.
Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Mohamad held talks in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday morning.
“He (Mohamad) guaranteed that ASEAN will emphasise the best cooperation with Myanmar in its endeavours.
“He advised that the election should be all-inclusive and vowed to send election observation teams to Myanmar,” the paper said in its front-page report.
The elections will be held after almost a five-year hiatus since the military took over the government on February 1, 2021.
According to the state media, Min Aung Hlaing also briefed on the preparations for the elections, where 57 political parties will contest in the polls. About 5,000 candidates will be contesting.
Mohamad also held talks with Prime Minister U Nyo Saw in the afternoon. Discussions focused on the implementation of the national peace process, preparations to hold a free election, and improvement of ties between Myanmar, Malaysia, and ASEAN, reported the state media.
Malaysia is the current chair of the 10-member grouping.
