Burma’s President Thein Sein has reiterated his pledge to ensure a smooth transition of power to the incoming government at a meeting with representatives of political parties.

On Sunday, the incumbent president met with the politicians at Rangoon City Hall where he promised to convene the new parliament with lawmakers elected in the 8 November general election – and to hand over power to the new government within the allotted time period.

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“During the remainder of my government’s time in office, existing laws, regulations, procedures, and guidance will continue to be upheld, and a smooth transition undertaken. In accordance with established procedures, I will send invitations for the convening of the second parliament,” Thein Sein said in the meeting, according to state media.

“After parliament step-by-step carries out its work, transfer to the resulting new government will occur within the designated timeframe. I would like to stress that this work will be undertaken calmly, peacefully, and smoothly,” he said.

Under the 2008 Constitution, the current government will meet for the final time on 31 January, after which the incoming president’s cabinet will be sworn in at the end of March.

The opposition National League for Democracy’s spokesperson Nyan Win was among the party representatives at the meeting.

“Bringing about national reconciliation has been our firm policy to this day, and we look to continue implementing this policy via peaceful means,” Nyan Win told DVB.

Two representatives each from 86 of the 91 political parties that contested the election were present at the meeting.

Read the full 2015 election coverage here.