Opposition in Myanmar Led by Suu Kyi Declares Victory in Elections

The opposition party in Myanmar, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has stated that it has secured over 80% of the counted votes in parliamentary elections in the central regions of the country. This result paves the way for the National League for Democracy (NLD) to enter the power structure dominated by the military. According to Reuters, Win Tin, the spokesperson for the opposition party, said on Monday, November 9, that over 65% of the counted votes in the Mon and Kayin states have also been allocated to them. He added that the votes from five other states are still unclear. The central regions of Myanmar are divided into seven administrative divisions. Mr. Tin also told AFP that 'we are winning more than 70% of parliamentary seats across the country, but the electoral commission has not yet officially confirmed the results.' He did not specify how this data was collected. The agency also reported celebrations and festivities among supporters of the NLD after polling stations closed on Sunday night. Hours after the opposition's victory announcement, the ruling party in Myanmar accepted defeat. Tai O, the interim leader of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, told Reuters, 'We lost.' If the opposition's victory in the parliamentary elections in Myanmar is officially confirmed, it will be the first time in 25 years that the NLD can enter power. This party can achieve a parliamentary majority if it secures 67% of the votes nationwide. These votes could place the NLD in a dominant position in parliament compared to the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party. The ruling party in Myanmar will hold 25% of parliamentary seats due to privileges granted by the military in the constitution. Aung San Suu Kyi has been very cautious regarding the news of gaining a majority of votes but sees herself as a winner. According to AFP, she told supporters and reporters, 'Now is not the time to congratulate our candidates whom we think have won the elections.' Ms. Suu Kyi added, 'The people have their own interpretation of the results, even if we do not say anything.' It is expected that election officials will hold a press conference on Monday evening local time to announce part of the vote results. According to them, preliminary election results will be announced within 48 hours after the elections, and complete results will be published within 10 days.