Myanmar told to have inclusive elections

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 02/06/2010 10:11 PM

Indonesia expects Myanmar to meet its promise to hold inclusive general elections this year, Ambassador Sebastianus Sumarsono said Saturday.

"A general election is considered a success if everyone participates. The Myanmar government has promised this," Sumarsono said on the sidelines of a foreign ministerial meeting.

He said Indonesia was actively following the development of the democratic process in Myanmar and would be ready to provide support if needed, including sharing its experience.

Indonesia has maintained a good relationship with Myanmar for 60 years.

Sumarsono refrained from predicting the chance of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), to win the election that may take place between June and October.

"A group of senior members have expressed their unwillingness to participate, while the younger generation is more willing," he said.

Myanmar’s home affairs minister, Maung Oo, said last month Suu Kyi might be released in November.