Post date: Apr 01, 2012 2:44:38 PM
Hundreds of Aung San Suu Kyi supporters swamp the streets in front of her National League for Democracy Party headquarters after she wins a seat in Parliament.
YANGON, MYANMAR (APRIL 1, 2012) (REUTERS) - Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi won a seat in parliament on Sunday (April 1), her party said, after a historic by-election that is testing Myanmar's nascent reform credentials and could convince the West to end sanctions.
Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party announced to loud cheers at its headquarters that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had won in Kawhmu, southwest of the commercial capital Yangon, raising the prospect of her first role in government after a two decade struggle against dictatorship.
Myanmar's Election Commission had yet to confirm any results from the by-elections for 45 legislative seats.
NLD supporters celebrating outside the party's headquarters were confident that Suu Kyi's seat in parliament would bring them a better future.
"Just like this, Aung San Suu Kyi wins, so we are very happy and very proud. So after Suu Kyi wins, if our country has better politicians, we'll be much happier than now," said one woman.
"The National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi wins the election, I cannot say what I'm feeling, I'm so happy. If Aung San Suu Kyi goes to Parliament, she will fulfill our present needs for everyone. I believe this," said a man.
The United States and European Union have hinted that some sanctions - imposed over the past two decades in response to human rights abuses - may be lifted if the election is free and fair, unleashing a wave of investment in the impoverished but resource-rich country bordering rising powers India and China.
The charismatic and wildly popular Suu Kyi had complained last week of "irregularities", though none significant enough to derail her party's bid for 44 of the seats. Suu Kyi made no immediate comment on her victory.