PHNOM PENH, Oct 10 — The Myanmar government said Malaysia has assured Asean’s support for its elections slated for December 28, and has pledged to send observer teams to the polls.
State media The Global New Light of Myanmar reported today that visiting Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan conveyed Asean’s cooperation for the elections.
Myanmar State Security and Peace Commission chairman Min Aung Hlaing and Mohamad held talks in Naypyidaw yesterday morning.
“He (Mohamad) guaranteed Asean will emphasise the best cooperation with Myanmar in its endeavours.
“He advised that elections 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 Mohamad on 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 current chair of the 10-member Asean bloc.