Landslide Victory for Aung San Suu Kyi

Initial counts of the by-elections in Myanmar show that democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, is leading. Supporters of Suu Kyi are elated over her impending landslide victory.

Polls show that NLD emerged victorious in 44 out of 45 constituencies in the regional and central parliaments. This also includes 65 percent votes for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Kawhmu’s lower house electorate. NLD also won over three of four electorates in Naypyidaw.

The victory is a milestone for Suu Kyi, who spent almost 25 years in jail and house arrest for her democracy campaign in the country. Several thousands of Myanmar citizens flocked the streets to celebrate, waving banners and chanting slogans.

The by-elections is also a landmark moment for Myanmar. The country has been under military junta control for the last 50 years. President Thein Sein called for the elections and it appears that it was implemented fairly with little signs of irregularity.

Two Canberra officials and three journalists from Australia flew to Myanmar to observe the elections. The trip included visits to at least 70 polling stations and watched the voting and counting proceedings.

Australian ambassador to Burma Bronte Moules said that although there were reports of irregularities, there were no significant bearing on the counting and the results.

Based on the observations, Moules will send a recommendation to Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr whether the progress is enough to justify the lifting of Canberra’s sanctions to Myanmar.

Tagged Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma