M A I N   N E W S

Myanmar on cusp of new era: Suu Kyi

Yangon, April 2
Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi today hailed a “new era” for Myanmar and called for political unity after her party swept to victory in elections seen as a test of budding reforms.

The dramatic political changes were accompanied by the quasi-civilian government’s most radical economic reform yet, an overhaul of the country’s complex currency regime. Suu Kyi supporters celebrated into the night after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party declared that the Nobel laureate had secured a seat in Parliament for the first time in yesterday’s bypoll.

The veteran activist’s election to political office, which was confirmed by state media, marks the latest sweeping change in the country formerly known as Burma after decades of outright military rule ended last year.

Suu Kyi struck a conciliatory tone towards the other political parties as she prepares to take her place in a parliament that will remain dominated by the military and its political allies.

State media said the NLD had won 40 of the 44 seats it contested, according to partial official results. In total, 45 seats were available. The results for the remaining five have not yet been officially announced. — AFP