WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has urged the government and opposition leaders in Myanmar to accept the results of this week’s elections and ensure a smooth transfer of power to those elected, the White House said on Thursday.

President Obama telephoned Myanmar’s President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday night and conveyed this message.

Myanmar has been dominated by the military for half a century through direct junta rule and since 2011 by a quasi-civilian government run by its allies.

But Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy captured more than 85 per cent of seats declared so far from Sunday’s election and is looking forward to form the next government.

With the president, Mr Obama “discussed the importance for all parties to respect the official results once announced and to work together with a spirit of unity to form an inclusive, representative government that reflects the will of the people,” the White House said.

In his call to Ms Suu Kyi, President Obama commended her for “her tireless efforts and sacrifice over so many years” to promote a more inclusive, peaceful, and democratic Burma.

The US leader noted that the election and formation of a new government could be an important step forward in the country’s democratic transition and the effort to forge a more peaceful and prosperous future, the White House said.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2015

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