General election to reflect people's genuine desire: Myanmar president

YANGON - The historic upcoming 2015 general election, scheduled for Sunday, will reflect people's genuine desire, Myanmar President U Thein Sein said Tuesday.

In his regular monthly speech to the nation, U Thein Sein said 100 percent efforts are being made to hold the free and fair election in a peaceful manner.

He stressed the importance of each and every ballot of the individual people, saying that if the strength of every individual can be grouped, it will give rise to a major force.

He urged the people to decide for casting their ballots honestly with perseverance and far-sightedness.

He also called on political parties and individuals to honor and accept the election result as a respect to the desire of the people, urging all political leaders to coordinate and jointly explore the solution for emergence of a political event that will be accepted by all political groups in the post-election period.

Relating to the post-signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) with armed groups, he reiterated opening door to those remaining armed groups that have not joined the signing.

However, he admitted there exists some conflicts and difficulties and challenges, calling for efforts to end nationwide fighting and start all-inclusive political dialogue.

The Myanmar government and eight ethnic armed groups out of 15 signed the historic NCA on Oct 15 and efforts are being continued to bring the remaining armed groups to follow suit and complete the peace process.

Meanwhile, the Nov 8 general election has entered into a time of five-day countdown.