Millions vote in Myanmar’s first free election in 25 yrs

Voting began today in Myanmar’s first free nationwide election in 25 years, the Southeast Asian nation’s biggest stride yet in a journey to democracy from dictatorship. It was the first time even for Suu Kyi, the epitome of the democracy movement who defied the junta for decades. Wearing her trademark thazin flowers in her hair, a smiling Suu Kyi arrived at the polling station near her lake-side residence where she was mobbed by hundreds of journalists. She quickly cast her vote and left without speaking to reporters.

People had lined up in Buddhist temples, schools and government buildings since early morning to vote. Election monitors called it “a remarkable day” full of excitement and energy. “This is very, very significant... it’s the first time that most people in the country will have an opportunity to vote for the main opposition party,” said Richard Horsey, an independent Myanmar analyst.

Myanmar’s general election ended peacefully on Sunday. Polling stations closed at 4.00 p.m. (local times) and open counting of votes followed in the presence of contesting candidates, local and international observers and the public, Xinhua reported.

The Union Election Commission said it will officially release the election results starting Monday stage by stage. In Sunday’s elections, 33.5 million eligible voters cast votes at more than 46,000 polling stations across the country. Government leaders, parliament speakers, military and party leaders were among those who cast their votes at polling booths. A total of 6,038 candidates involving 91 political parties and 310 Independents contested for more than 1,000 seats at three levels of parliament in the elections. — PTI/IANS