India welcomes successful conduct of by-elections in Myanmar

New Delhi, Apr 3 (ANI): India on Tuesday welcomed the successful conduct of by-elections that took place in Myanmar on April 1.

"We welcome the successful conduct of bye-elections in Myanmar on April 1. The results that have been officially announced so far show that Aung San Suu Kyi has led the National League of Democracy (NLD) to a landslide victory," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

"The NLD won all 40 of the seats declared so far out of the 45 for which the bye elections are being held. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. These elections represent a major milestone in Myanmar's transition towards multiparty democracy," he added.

At the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, India had sent senior officials from the Election Commission and journalists from the official media as observers for the by-elections.

"Our Ambassador to Myanmar also observed the elections in the Yangon region. We congratulate the Myanmar Election Commission and the Government and people of Myanmar on the peaceful and smooth manner in which elections appear to have been held," Akbaruddin said.

Akbaruddin further said: " Our relationship with Myanmar has been enhanced in recent months by the visits to India of Myanmar President, the Foreign Minister, and a high level Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the Lower House of Myanmar Parliament.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible assistance and support to the process of national reconciliation and the further strengthening of democracy in Myanmar," he added. (ANI)