WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday expressed concern over reports that 100 mostly Muslim candidates in Burma’s Nov. 8 general election have been disqualified and called on the authorities in the Southeast Asian country to address its concerns.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement about half of the candidates were rejected based on questions about their citizenship.
“The move to disqualify some 100 candidates, through an opaque and discriminatory process, risks undermining the confidence of the Burmese people and the international community in these elections,” Kirby said.
“We urge the Burmese authorities to redouble their efforts to address these concerns and ensure that the upcoming elections constitute a step forward for the country,” he added.
The November poll will be Burma’s first since military rule ended in 2011. Washington has said it is important for continued US support that the election marks progress in the country’s fledgling democracy.
