Media Statement

05 April 2012

South Africa congratulates Myanmar on its recent Parliamentary By-elections

The South African Government congratulates the Government and the people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the successful parliamentary by-elections that took place on 01 April 2012 in 45 constituencies.

In particular, the South African Government commends the Government of Myanmar for conducting all-inclusive elections whereby all political parties could campaign and contest the vacant seats, including the National League for Democracy under the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The South African Government notes with appreciation that the Government of Myanmar allowed the presence of election observers at the by-elections and is encouraged by their finding that the elections were peaceful and could generally be assessed as free and fair.

South Africa shares the general view that the way in which the parliamentary by-elections were conducted is indicative of a commitment on the part of the Government of Myanmar to continue and progress on its road towards the democratisation and political reform of the country in order to deliver sustainable development and stability and to contribute to the process of national reconciliation.

The South African Government is mindful of the challenges still confronting the Government and the people of Myanmar.  In this regard, we express our sincere hope that the spirit of optimism which prevailed during the parliamentary by-elections will be sustained and that the Government will be able to meet the expectations for development and social upliftment in the country.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 082 884 5974.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria