by Francis Khoo Thwe

With the counting still underway, the NLD has secured control of both Houses of Parliament. 348 seats for the "Lady’s” party against 40 of the USDP. The democratic opposition will therefore lead the government and choose the next president. The Nobel Laureate renewes appeals for calm. The vote "is just the first step" in the path of reforms.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - After the rumors of recent days, alternating calls for caution, today the official declaration of the Electoral Commission: The National League for Democracy (NLD) has won "overwhelming" victory in the 8 November elections, taking a "historical" majority in Parliament and the possibility of forming a new government.

For the Southeast Asian nation, ruled for decades by a military dictatorship and in the last four by an emanation of the executive council, it is the first, true civilian government in over 50 years.

However, a quarter of the seats are allocated according to the Constitution to the military, which also controls three key ministries with direct appointments: Interior, Defense and Control of borders. Furthermore, according to the Charter, Aung San Suu Kyi can not be elected president.  Initial reports point to her leading the next executive.

At noon today the Election Commission made the official announcement: the NLD has secured 348 of the 664 seats that make up the Parliament (Upper and lower). However, for the final results will be declared in a few more days, and the process that will lead to the election of the president will begin no earlier than January.

The vote on November 8  - judged largely free even by prominent figures consulted by AsiaNews – had a turnout of 80%, out of a total 30 million eligible voters. So far, the NLD has secured 238 seats in the lower house and another 110 in the upper house, for a total of 348. In contrast, the former ruling party Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has won 40 seats so far.

In an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) yesterday afternoon the NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi called once more on supporters to remain calm and to avoid provocative actions, stressing that the electoral process "has not yet concluded" . The "Lady" appealed for prudence and composure in the coming weeks, adding that the government will establish a "clear and precise" timetable for reforms.

"The elections are only the first step," concluded the Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of a new nation in which many questions remain unanswered such as the fate of political prisoners, the arrest of students and activists and the military's influence on public life.

• MYANMAR
• DEMOCRATIC
• REFORMS
• elections
• majority
• win