Myanmar elections neither free nor fair

“These elections were neither free nor fair, which is very regrettable,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
 
Parliamentary elections were held in Myanmar today for the first time in 20 years. 
 
“The authorities have failed to heed repeated calls from the international community to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political detainees. Moreover, they did not allow observers to monitor the elections, which is indicative of how democratic they were,” said Mr Støre.
 
“I strongly urge the new government that is now to be formed to address the serious economic and social problems in the country. An inclusive process is essential in order to resolve the many conflicts in the country. Measures must also be taken to improve the grave human rights situation. These problems were again clearly discernible during the run-up to the elections. Norway will support initiatives that help to improve the situation,” said Mr Støre, who is on a visit to Indonesia, where the situation in Myanmar is one of the issues on the agenda.
 
Representatives from the Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok are present in Myanmar during the elections in order to follow the situation.