The South African Government Statement on the Elections held in Myanmar on 7 November 2010

The South African Government has taken note of the elections held in Myanmar on 7 November 2010, the first elections held in the country in 20 years.

South Africa has closely followed the process that led to the elections and concluded that conditions were not created for inclusive dialogue in which all parties and interest groups could freely and openly participate.

Indications are that the elections were marred by serious challenges and that they did not meet internationally acceptable standards in terms of inclusivity, transparency and fairness. Their credibility has been widely questioned.

South Africa continues to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, but believes that an opportunity for progress towards democratisation, nation building and reconciliation was lost.

In line with the commitments made in the “roadmap to democracy”, South Africa expresses the hope that the new government will show progress towards a transition to an inclusive, democratic government, nation building and respect for human rights. 

South Africa calls on the new government to honour its undertaking to release Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, together with other political prisoners without delay and to allow them to participate in normal political activity.

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on 082 940 1647, +27 12 351 0083 or e-mail him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
RIETONDALE
Pretoria, RSA
0002

10 November 2010