RANGOON — Politicians and analysts have urged a leader’s meeting requested by NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi to take place as soon as possible, in order to ensure a stable transition to the next government.
On Tuesday morning, Suu Kyi sent separate letters to President Thein Sein, military chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and outgoing Union Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann, asking for a meeting next week to map out what she termed “a peaceful implementation of the people’s desire.”
Shwe Mann announced on Facebook that he would arrange to meet with Suu Kyi in the coming week. Shortly afterward, presidential spokesman Ye Htut confirmed that Thein Sein would negotiate a meeting time once the Union Election Commission had declared all seats, expected by Sunday. Min Aung Hlaing has yet to respond to the entreaty.
Aye Thar Aung, a patron of the Arakan National Party, which looks set to form the next regional government in Arakan State, has told The Irrawaddy he believes that with the NLD already certain to dominate the next Union Parliament, the four-party meeting should be held promptly.
“We want unity,” he said. “They all need to have an effective discussion. I want Aung San Suu Kyi to hold discussions with all ethnic parties and military interests as well.”
Democratic Party (Myanmar) chairman Thu Wai, whose party looks to have lost the 12 constituency it contested on Sunday, told The Irrawaddy he expected positive outcomes from the discussion.
“If this meeting is a success, it will be a success for all political parties, and all people,” he said.
Political analyst Yan Myo Thein said that it was clear the NLD had decisively won Sunday’s vote and was correct to make a conciliatory gesture to incumbent political leaders and the military chief.
“They should have a political agreement for the people beyond the election,” he said. “From Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s letter, the meeting will discuss forming the government under the theme of national reconciliation, so I want to see this meeting go ahead as soon as it can.”
By 3pm on Wednesday, the NLD had won 451 of the announced 506 regional and Union contests. The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on the other hand, trailed well behind with just 38 recorded seat wins. On Wednesday morning, state-run newspapers carried an announcement from the USDP thanking voters and party members for their support of its candidates.
“We are honored to declare that the elected candidates of our party will join hands with elected candidates of respective political parties and continue to serve the interests of the country and the people,” the statement read.
