Ban said the election was a significant step but added that the government still had to "redouble" efforts to reach national reconciliation.
Ban congratulated Myanmar`s government and political parties for "the peaceful and largely orderly" by-elections on Sunday which saw Aung San Suu Kyi win a parliamentary seat, said his spokesman Martin Nesirky.
The UN secretary general said it marked "another significant step towards a better future for Myanmar. He acknowledges, in particular, the courage and vision of President Thein Sein, which has made such progress possible," said Nesirky.
Ban, who could visit Myanmar in April, noted "the constructive efforts and positive statements" by the government and other key players, including Aung San Suu Kyi, said the spokesman.
"The secretary general urges the government and all political forces to cooperate and build on the important achievement of the by-election and to consolidate the country`s democratic gains.
"He also calls on all of Myanmar`s stakeholders to redouble their efforts toward genuine national reconciliation and long-term and durable peace."
Nesirky said a UN team in Myanmar witnessed voting in several constituencies.
"Despite some complaints of irregularities during the voting, key stakeholders in Myanmar, including political parties, have stressed to the UN team their strong belief that these by-elections are a boost for the ongoing reforms and a very important step towards a more peaceful and democratic future in Myanmar," he said.
(Uu.G003/A011)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
