‘New era’ for Burma

The Nobel prize winner’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party claimed 44 seats out of the 45 being contested in the by-election.

Speaking to a crowd of cheering supporters, the pro-democracy leader said: “It is not so much our triumph as a triumph of the people, who have decided that they must be involved in the political process of this country.”

The results have not yet been officially confirmed and the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which was formed by the military junta before it ceded power a year ago, have not commented on the initial results.

We hope that this is the beginning of the new era where there will be more emphasis on the role of the people in the everyday politics of the country. Aung San Suu Kyi

The weekend’s contest was the first time the NLD had taken part in elections since it won the 1990 polls which the military ignored.

“We hope that this is the beginning of the new era where there will be more emphasis on the role of the people in the everyday politics of the country,” said Ms Suu Kyi, who was freed from house arrest in November 2010.

“We also hope that the we will be able to go further along the road towards national reconciliation. We will welcome all parties who wish to join us in the process of bringing peace and prosperity to our country.”

Read more from Asia Correspondent John Sparks on Aung San Suu Kyi’s win

The by-elections were seen as a test of the ruling military’s commitment to a democratic system. Over the last year, the government has freed hundreds of political prisoners, relaxed censorship, allowed trade unions and held talks with ethnic minority rebels.

The election has not yet been confirmed as free and fair and western governments are waiting for Ms Suu Kyi’s endorsement of the poll before considering lifting some sanctions.

However on Monday, the pro-democracy leader acknowledged some flaws in the election, adding that they would not be overlooked.

“We will point out all the irregularities that took place, not in any spirit of vengeance or anger, but because we do not think that these should be overlooked. It is only with the intention of making sure that things improve in future,” she said.

Yangon’s residents were optimistic about a future democracy following a two-decade long struggle against military dictatorship.

“I hope there will be change because before, Suu Kyi was not in the parliament, so I hope once she goes into parliament, the country will change a little bit more. That change will make things better than before,” said 60-year old Daw Saw Mya.