We regard it as a positive development that the elections held in Myanmar on 8 November 2015 for the Assembly of the Union and local government assemblies (regions and states) were conducted in a peaceful environment.

We regret, however, that Rohingya Muslims were not permitted to vote in the elections and candidacies of many Muslims were turned down.

We wish that the new Government to be formed will take steps to overcome these drawbacks, and ensure the strengthening of democratic institutions and democratic principles and practices, including unimpeded representation.