True Democracy: Myanmar to allow observers during by-elections

21.02.2012

Myanmar will “seriously consider” allowing observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Secretariat during the April by-elections, Myanmar President Thein Sein says.

“We will seriously consider having observers from ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat during the April elections,” he told visiting ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan as quoted by a press statement made available on Tuesday.

The two leaders agreed that such a move would boost transparency, which will add to the international goodwill that Myanmar has attracted so far.

In a meeting which lasted more than an hour, Sein spoke confidently of the country’s vision.

“Job creation is our top priority. We want to create as many jobs as we can, so Myanmar workers can work in the country, and ease the burden on our neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia,” he said, adding that plans for a deep sea port, as well as special industrial zones, were already in the pipeline to meet the objective of job creation.

Echoing similar sentiments, Myanmar Information and Culture Minister Kyaw Hsan said: “We are not going back. We are going forward.”

Kyaw Hsan added that plans and preparations were underway to make sure Myanmar was ready for the 2013 Southeast Asia Games, as well as chairing the ASEAN Meetings in 2014.

Pitsuwan is leading a delegation from the ASEAN Secretariat on a four-day visit to Myanmar. The trip is to hold discussions with senior Myanmar officials, to find ways for Myanmar and the ASEAN Secretariat to explore cooperation, links, internships and workshops to help Myanmar prepare for the major events.