On October 15, the secretary discussed the topic of the 2015 election on the second day of a seminar exploring the views of civic organizations about Myanmar’s reform process. The gathering was entitled, Seminar of Civil Organizations on the Political Transition Process, and was held in Insein, Yangon.

U Sai Nyunt Lwin claimed some political analysts feared there would be a postponement or delay in holding the general election at the end of 2015.

As he explained, the 2008 Constitution calls for the holding of a national election every five years, and the Union Election Commission, in charge of the polls, would need to provide good reason why the election cannot be held.

National Democratic Front Chairman U Khin Maung Swe told seminar participants that the result of the peace-making process may be revealed in early November. “The peace-making process will not stop. As a result of this, there is no way to postpone the elections. There may be unexpected situations in the future but these should not be harmful to the prospect of an election,” he said.

In early October, President U Thein Sein delivered a radio message that only when the nationwide ceasefire agreement is concluded successfully, can the government start political dialogue to shape the country’s future. This dialogue will ensure stability, the successful holding of the 2015 general elections, and the smooth continuation of the political reforms, he said.