Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Amidst widespread allegations of voter coercion and rights violations, United Nations leader Ban Ki-moon has hedged his position regarding the outcome of Sunday’s election in Burma.

While critical of the process, the Secretary General nonetheless reserves hope that Burmese authorities will nurture a post-election environment conducive to national reconciliation.

Ban, through a spokesperson in New York, yesterday affirmed: “Voting was held in conditions that were insufficiently inclusive, participatory and transparent.”
However, he followed up those sentiments by calling on Burma’s authorities, heavily dominated by military and ex-military officers, “to turn the conclusion of the first election in twenty years into a new beginning for the country and its people.”

“Consistent with their commitments, the authorities must demonstrate that the ballot is part of a credible transition towards democratic government, national reconciliation and respect for human rights,” the Secretary General added.

The views of Ban will likely to little to alleviate the heavy criticism directed his way by many in the Burmese opposition camp, who find the Secretary General unwilling to take up a definitive position against the plans of Burma’s generals and see no hope in the prospect of the elections ushering in an altered political landscape.

On the subject of a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma, spokesperson Martin Nesirky responded during a question and answer session that the matter was for member states on the Human Rights Council to decide, effectively distancing the office of the Secretary General from the discussion.

Ban also reiterated his calls for the release of political prisoners and the initiation of meaningful dialogue as necessary stepping stones along any path of national reconciliation.