Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe Monday advised the country's people to make correct choice with the upcoming general election planned for later this year.
"Plans are underway to hold elections in a systematic way this year. In that regard, the entire people have to make correct choice then," said Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, in his message on the occasion of Myanmar's 62nd Anniversary Independence Day which falls on Monday.
"The state's seven-step roadmap, designed for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the sole process for transition to democracy," Than Shwe stressed.
Under the government's fifth step of its seven-step roadmap announced in 2003, a multi-party democracy general election is to be held this year in accordance with the 2008 new state constitution to produce parliament
representatives and form a new civilian government to which the state power is to hand over.
In his message, Than Shwe also urged the country's people "to remain vigilant at all times against danger posed by neo- colonialists and to make sustained efforts, putting the national policy in the fore and exerting patriotism for ensuring perpetuity of the motherland".
He pointed out that "many projects are ongoing simultaneously for ensuring equitable development of all parts of the union and improving the living conditions of the people", adding that " pursuing the national goal
of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation with might and main is in fact laying substantial foundation for a prosperous future of the nation".
On Monday morning, an Independence Day state flag hoisting and saluting ceremony was also held in the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw to where the
government administration was moved four years ago.
Besides, the government on the same day conferred many religious titles to hundreds of religious figures including venerable monks and nuns, as well as medals of commendation to thousands of person who have made excellent
performances in their respective sectors.
Myanmar regained independence from the British colonialists on Jan. 4, 1948.