Myanmar President pledges to continue reforms hinh anh 1President of Myanmar U Thein Sein. (Source: Reuters)

President of Myanmar U Thein Sein has committed to continued reforms to bring about peace, stability and socio-economic development for the country.

The President made the remark during a visit to the Taninthayi area in the country’s southeast region on November 1.

He said the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) is a step toward peace while referring to rural development and poverty reduction as current socio-economic development efforts.

He also urged local people to work together with the government to ensure the success of the upcoming election, slated for November 8, saying the election’s success will help raise the country’s position in the international arena.

Myanmar’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has nominated 1,147 candidates for the upcoming general election.

Of the candidates, 320 will compete for seats in the House of Representatives (Lower House), 166 seats in the House of Nationalities (Upper House) and 661 for the Region or State Parliament.

On the same day, the Myanmar Union Election Commission (UEC) recommended the country’s political parties end their campaigns before midnight on November 6 so that voters have enough time to consider and determine their votes.

A total of 6,189 qualified candidates will run: 5,866 nominated from 92 political parties and 323 independents.-VNA
VNA