Myanmar elections not free and fair: EU

BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) Monday rejected the general elections in Myanmar as flawed and not compatible with international standards.

The election was held Sunday for the first time in 20 years in the military-ruled country.

“Elections in themselves do not make a country democratic; nevertheless they should offer the opportunity for a new beginning and greater pluralism,” said EU’s foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton.

“The EU regrets therefore that the authorities did not take the necessary steps to ensure a free, fair and inclusive electoral process,” EuAsiaNews quoted Ashton as having said in a statement.

“Many aspects of these elections are not compatible with internationally accepted standards; notably in the bias against most opposition parties - such as the NLD -and their candidates, in terms of opportunities to campaign,” the statement said.

The EU also called for unconditional release of Myanmar’s democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders detained in the country.