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| Myanmar election 'credible', say EU observers, as Aung San Suu Kyi eyes victory – live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 5.18am GMT05:18 | |
| While that press conference was ongoing, the BBC’s Fergal Keane has interviewed Aung San Suu Kyi, who appears to be buoyant about the unfolding results: 75% would be a majority for the NLD. | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi In exclusive BBC iv she tells me believes party has won at least 75 percent of vote @BBCBreaking @BBCWorld | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi 2/ She tells me military must respect people's will."The times are different,the people are different." | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi 3/ in first interview since results says people would not stand for obstruction | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi 4/ "We are just beginning to teach the world about Burmese democracy." | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi 5/She told also that her party would be dignified in its response to results. Message: no triumphalism. | |
| #AungSanSuuKyi 6/ Important pledge 2 targeted Muslims. "We will protect them." Says those who inflame hatred should face prosecution. | |
| 5.14am GMT05:14 | |
| Will the results be accepted by all sides, Lambsdorff asks. He says the earliest comments from those who have lost their seats have been “encouraging”. | |
| The credibility of an election rests on the acceptance of results by all sides, he says. That is what makes its results sustainable. | |
| That’s the end of the EU observers’ press conference. I’ll post a summary shortly. | |
| 5.09am GMT05:09 | |
| Exclusion of Rohingya an issue 'for the whole of Myanmar to address' | |
| On Muslim voters, particularly the Rohingya, Lamsbdorff says the country needs to find ways to enfranchise them. | |
| It is difficult to understand why they should not be able to stand for or vote in elections, he adds. | |
| But he says this is more a social issue rather than an election one – the electoral issues reflect the social problems. It is for the whole of Myanmar to address, he says. | |
| Updated at 5.10am GMT | |
| 5.02am GMT05:02 | |
| The election cannot be deemed “truly genuine” because 100% of seats were not up for election, says Lambsdorff. (One-quarter were reserved for the military.) | |
| But … contrary to expectations, we did not have any problems accessing military installations on election day. | |
| It was an orderly, transparent, professional process, he says. | |
| 4.58am GMT04:58 | |
| EU observers: election rating '95% positive' | |
| The overall rating for the entire voting process was 95% positive, the EU mission has concluded. | |
| In a small number of polling stations – around 7% – some voters could not find their names on the register. | |
| Fears about conduct before the election turned out to be much less in reality. | |
| It is clearly not perfect, Lambsdorff says, but observers did not see anything that would render the election not credible. | |
| Updated at 4.58am GMT | |
| 4.53am GMT04:53 | |
| Questioned on whether the election was “free and fair”, Lambsdorff says the EU mission does not use those terms. | |
| There have been “certain limitations” in the elections here, he says. | |
| The country has come a long way … but we don’t use the simplistic label here. | |
| Does it make it 100% fair? There’s still room for improvement. | |
| 4.50am GMT04:50 | |
| Portugal MEP Ana Gomes is speaking now. She reiterates concerns over the military’s control of 25% of parliamentary seats and the exclusion of certain ethnic groups from voting – a reference to the Rohingya Muslims. | |
| You can read more about the disenfranchised Rohingya here: | |
| Related: No vote, no candidates: Myanmar's Muslims barred from their own election | |
| 4.46am GMT04:46 | 4.46am GMT04:46 |
| Lambsdorff: We are happy to be part of this process and we congratulate the people of Myanmar. | Lambsdorff: We are happy to be part of this process and we congratulate the people of Myanmar. |
| 4.45am GMT04:45 | 4.45am GMT04:45 |
| Privately-owned media covered the election campaign in much more detail than state-owned media, Lambsdorff notes. | Privately-owned media covered the election campaign in much more detail than state-owned media, Lambsdorff notes. |
| He goes on to say that observers will remain in Myanmar until 2 December to deal with any election-related complaints. | He goes on to say that observers will remain in Myanmar until 2 December to deal with any election-related complaints. |
| 4.44am GMT04:44 | 4.44am GMT04:44 |
| There were a “very, very low number” of Muslim candidates, as well as women, Lambsdorff adds. | There were a “very, very low number” of Muslim candidates, as well as women, Lambsdorff adds. |
| This needs to be addressed, he says. | This needs to be addressed, he says. |
| EU Chief Observer- concern candidate selection & verification resulting in "very low number of Muslim candidates remaining" #MyanmarElection | EU Chief Observer- concern candidate selection & verification resulting in "very low number of Muslim candidates remaining" #MyanmarElection |
| Updated at 4.44am GMT | Updated at 4.44am GMT |
| 4.43am GMT04:43 | 4.43am GMT04:43 |
| The legal and constitutional framework needs to be reformed before a genuinely free election can take place, he says. | The legal and constitutional framework needs to be reformed before a genuinely free election can take place, he says. |
| At least one of the parliament chambers must have 100% of seats up for election, he says (in this election, the army has reserved 25% of the lower house for itself). | At least one of the parliament chambers must have 100% of seats up for election, he says (in this election, the army has reserved 25% of the lower house for itself). |
| 4.42am GMT04:42 | 4.42am GMT04:42 |
| On the counting of results, Lambsdorff says the election is not over yet. | On the counting of results, Lambsdorff says the election is not over yet. |
| Until the final results are published, this election is still ongoing. | Until the final results are published, this election is still ongoing. |
| The EU observers remain in place. | The EU observers remain in place. |
| Out-of-constituency advance voting “was not transparent … it was more like a black box”, he says. Observers will continue to monitor this. | Out-of-constituency advance voting “was not transparent … it was more like a black box”, he says. Observers will continue to monitor this. |
| He says this part of the process should be changed in the future. | He says this part of the process should be changed in the future. |
| 4.40am GMT04:40 | 4.40am GMT04:40 |
| In most cases, observers were welcomed by election officials, “helping to create more transparency in the process”, Lambsdorff says. | In most cases, observers were welcomed by election officials, “helping to create more transparency in the process”, Lambsdorff says. |
| He says there could be more transparency at a national level; at a regional level it was better. | He says there could be more transparency at a national level; at a regional level it was better. |
| 4.39am GMT04:39 | 4.39am GMT04:39 |
| “The issue of the voter register was front and centre,” Lambsdorff says. | “The issue of the voter register was front and centre,” Lambsdorff says. |
| His observers found most voters were on the list. | His observers found most voters were on the list. |
| In 7% of polling stations, some voters were not on the list. (This does not mean 7% of voters, he stresses.) | In 7% of polling stations, some voters were not on the list. (This does not mean 7% of voters, he stresses.) |
| 4.38am GMT04:38 | 4.38am GMT04:38 |
| Lambsdorff says the vast majority of polling stations opened on time, with staff and voting papers there – this is very good, he says. | Lambsdorff says the vast majority of polling stations opened on time, with staff and voting papers there – this is very good, he says. |
| Election administration performed a “very good job”, he says. | Election administration performed a “very good job”, he says. |
| Breaking: "95% of ratings were good or very good," EU observation mission to Myanmar elections. | Breaking: "95% of ratings were good or very good," EU observation mission to Myanmar elections. |
| 4.37am GMT04:37 | 4.37am GMT04:37 |
| Alexander Lambsdorff, chief observer of the European Union election observation mission, which has 150 observers in Myanmar to monitor the conduct of the election, is about to speak to reporters in Yangon. | Alexander Lambsdorff, chief observer of the European Union election observation mission, which has 150 observers in Myanmar to monitor the conduct of the election, is about to speak to reporters in Yangon. |
| Full house at EU press conference on Myanmar election monitoring findings. Was it free and transparent? pic.twitter.com/rs89C8wC5v | Full house at EU press conference on Myanmar election monitoring findings. Was it free and transparent? pic.twitter.com/rs89C8wC5v |
| Lambsdorff says the elections were “remarkable” and carried out peacefully. But he says further reforms are needed to be truly democratic. | Lambsdorff says the elections were “remarkable” and carried out peacefully. But he says further reforms are needed to be truly democratic. |
| 4.26am GMT04:26 | 4.26am GMT04:26 |
| Myanmar’s newspapers feature the unusual sight of Suu Kyi and the NLD splashed across their front pages today. As Associated Press reports: | Myanmar’s newspapers feature the unusual sight of Suu Kyi and the NLD splashed across their front pages today. As Associated Press reports: |
| Many people in the streets of Yangon were sitting on sidewalks, in rickshaws or on front porches reading morning newspapers splashed with Aung San Suu Kyi’s picture, as the nation awaited final confirmation of her election victory. | Many people in the streets of Yangon were sitting on sidewalks, in rickshaws or on front porches reading morning newspapers splashed with Aung San Suu Kyi’s picture, as the nation awaited final confirmation of her election victory. |
| The front pages were another reflection of the massive changes in this long-repressed country: during the junta’s rule, photos of Suu Kyi were banned from media. | The front pages were another reflection of the massive changes in this long-repressed country: during the junta’s rule, photos of Suu Kyi were banned from media. |
| Tuesday’s headline in the Daily Eleven Newspaper read: “NLD is winning as the people are willing to change this country.” | Tuesday’s headline in the Daily Eleven Newspaper read: “NLD is winning as the people are willing to change this country.” |
| Myanmar state media headline today says "NLD dominates". pic.twitter.com/3aZDuT8MOr | Myanmar state media headline today says "NLD dominates". pic.twitter.com/3aZDuT8MOr |
| 4.09am GMT04:09 | 4.09am GMT04:09 |
| The European Union election observation mission has had 150 observers in Myanmar to monitor polling day. It’s about to present its report in Yangon on how the election was run. | The European Union election observation mission has had 150 observers in Myanmar to monitor polling day. It’s about to present its report in Yangon on how the election was run. |
| My colleague Oliver Holmes will be there and I’ll have updates on the live blog from the press conference, which is due to begin at 11am local time (3.30pm AEDT/4.30am GMT). | My colleague Oliver Holmes will be there and I’ll have updates on the live blog from the press conference, which is due to begin at 11am local time (3.30pm AEDT/4.30am GMT). |
| #EUEOM #Myanmar observes the entire electoral process: legal framework, election administration, campaign, media etc of the #MyanmarElection | #EUEOM #Myanmar observes the entire electoral process: legal framework, election administration, campaign, media etc of the #MyanmarElection |
| Updated at 4.17am GMT | Updated at 4.17am GMT |
| 3.41am GMT03:41 | 3.41am GMT03:41 |
| NLD supporters celebrated late into the night on Monday in anticipation of their party’s expected victory. | NLD supporters celebrated late into the night on Monday in anticipation of their party’s expected victory. |
| Although the results are still slow to arrive, indications certainly point to overwhelming success for Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party. | Although the results are still slow to arrive, indications certainly point to overwhelming success for Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party. |
| The NLD did, of course, win the 1990 election by a landslide, but the result was ignored by the ruling military. This time it has indicated it will accept what looks almost certain to be a defiant rejection of its rule. | The NLD did, of course, win the 1990 election by a landslide, but the result was ignored by the ruling military. This time it has indicated it will accept what looks almost certain to be a defiant rejection of its rule. |
| 3.31am GMT03:31 | 3.31am GMT03:31 |
| National parliament latest results | National parliament latest results |
| Fifty-four out of 323 seats in the national parliament have so far been declared: | Fifty-four out of 323 seats in the national parliament have so far been declared: |
| (With thanks to Richard Horsey, Myanmar adviser at the International Crisis Group, who is keeping a close eye on the tally; he is tweeting @rshorsey.) | (With thanks to Richard Horsey, Myanmar adviser at the International Crisis Group, who is keeping a close eye on the tally; he is tweeting @rshorsey.) |
| 3.23am GMT03:23 | 3.23am GMT03:23 |
| Reuters reports that the election result could see an easing of US sanctions against Myanmar – as long as the military accepts the results: | Reuters reports that the election result could see an easing of US sanctions against Myanmar – as long as the military accepts the results: |
| Washington said it would watch for the democratic process to move forward before lifting more sanctions, which still target more than 100 individuals and businesses and limit US investment in Myanmar. | Washington said it would watch for the democratic process to move forward before lifting more sanctions, which still target more than 100 individuals and businesses and limit US investment in Myanmar. |
| White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the election process was encouraging and “represents an important step in Burma’s democratic process”. | White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the election process was encouraging and “represents an important step in Burma’s democratic process”. |
| “What is clear is that for the first time ever, millions of people in Burma voted in a meaningful, competitive election,” he said. | “What is clear is that for the first time ever, millions of people in Burma voted in a meaningful, competitive election,” he said. |
| He said there were still flaws in the political system – including a constitutional provision barring Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president – and it was too soon to discuss US policy changes. | He said there were still flaws in the political system – including a constitutional provision barring Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president – and it was too soon to discuss US policy changes. |
| The top US diplomat for Asia said preliminary indications were that the elections went “quite smoothly”, but a “credible” transition was now needed. | The top US diplomat for Asia said preliminary indications were that the elections went “quite smoothly”, but a “credible” transition was now needed. |
| Daniel Russel, US assistant secretary of state for east Asia, said that after 50 years of military dictatorship, “this was a hell of a step forward for the democratic process”, but added: “Now comes the hard part.” | Daniel Russel, US assistant secretary of state for east Asia, said that after 50 years of military dictatorship, “this was a hell of a step forward for the democratic process”, but added: “Now comes the hard part.” |
| Russel said it was too early to evaluate the overall conduct of the voting, or say whether it could lead to a lifting of remaining US sanctions. | Russel said it was too early to evaluate the overall conduct of the voting, or say whether it could lead to a lifting of remaining US sanctions. |
| “The further the process of reform moves, the more credible and respectable the political process is, the greater the support and the lower the hurdles for the US government, and I suspect other governments, to actively support a new Burmese government, including through adjustments to our policies.” | “The further the process of reform moves, the more credible and respectable the political process is, the greater the support and the lower the hurdles for the US government, and I suspect other governments, to actively support a new Burmese government, including through adjustments to our policies.” |
| The US officials said Myanmar’s president and military leadership had publicly reaffirmed that they would accept the election results. | The US officials said Myanmar’s president and military leadership had publicly reaffirmed that they would accept the election results. |
| “The United States, and I believe other members of the international community, have every intention of holding them to that,” Russel said. | “The United States, and I believe other members of the international community, have every intention of holding them to that,” Russel said. |
| 3.10am GMT03:10 | 3.10am GMT03:10 |
| Some clarification on this morning’s fresh results. | Some clarification on this morning’s fresh results. |
| Earlier reports suggested the new announcements related to the national parliament – in fact, they were results from state and regional legislatures. | Earlier reports suggested the new announcements related to the national parliament – in fact, they were results from state and regional legislatures. |
| All still recorded resounding wins for the NLD. | All still recorded resounding wins for the NLD. |
| 54 results at 9am from UEC. All state/region legislatures. 49 NLD, 2 USDP, 2 KachinSDP, 1 MonNP | 54 results at 9am from UEC. All state/region legislatures. 49 NLD, 2 USDP, 2 KachinSDP, 1 MonNP |
| 3.01am GMT03:01 | 3.01am GMT03:01 |
| My colleague Oliver Holmes sends this dispatch from Yangon on the reaction to jubilation among NLD supporters: | My colleague Oliver Holmes sends this dispatch from Yangon on the reaction to jubilation among NLD supporters: |
| The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper ran an opinion article on Tuesday warning: “Every stakeholder in Myanmar politics to make wise decisions during this important juncture in the country’s history.” | The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper ran an opinion article on Tuesday warning: “Every stakeholder in Myanmar politics to make wise decisions during this important juncture in the country’s history.” |
| It went on: “Veering away from what we know to be the best course of action for the people could see the country descend into confusion and chaos.” | It went on: “Veering away from what we know to be the best course of action for the people could see the country descend into confusion and chaos.” |
| Many are concerned that the months after the election could be chaotic, especially if the NLD tries to assert its dominance or if the military feels its influence is overly threatened. | Many are concerned that the months after the election could be chaotic, especially if the NLD tries to assert its dominance or if the military feels its influence is overly threatened. |
| “The problems that have plagued Myanmar’s political system have stemmed from the exclusion of the wishes of a significant number of stakeholders. It is therefore important for some stakeholders to retreat and for some to take a few steps forward,” the opinion article said, without specifying if it was referring to the NLD or the military. | “The problems that have plagued Myanmar’s political system have stemmed from the exclusion of the wishes of a significant number of stakeholders. It is therefore important for some stakeholders to retreat and for some to take a few steps forward,” the opinion article said, without specifying if it was referring to the NLD or the military. |
| The months after the election are going to see intense political manoeuvring by Aung San Suu Kyi and the army-aligned politicians, as a government is formed and nominations for the next president are decided. | The months after the election are going to see intense political manoeuvring by Aung San Suu Kyi and the army-aligned politicians, as a government is formed and nominations for the next president are decided. |
| Under the military-drafted constitution, members of parliament choose two presidential candidates and the army appoints a third. After that, parliament votes. | Under the military-drafted constitution, members of parliament choose two presidential candidates and the army appoints a third. After that, parliament votes. |
| This will not happen until early 2016 and Suu Kyi’s comment that she intends to be “above the president” has antagonised Myanmar’s military leaders. | This will not happen until early 2016 and Suu Kyi’s comment that she intends to be “above the president” has antagonised Myanmar’s military leaders. |
| The opinion article warned: “Decision-makers must accommodate the wishes of all stakeholders. This is important for peace as well as for national reconciliation. National reconciliation can only be achieved if it is completely inclusive.” | The opinion article warned: “Decision-makers must accommodate the wishes of all stakeholders. This is important for peace as well as for national reconciliation. National reconciliation can only be achieved if it is completely inclusive.” |
| Updated at 3.50am GMT | Updated at 3.50am GMT |
| 2.53am GMT02:53 | 2.53am GMT02:53 |
| The next official update on vote-counting is at noon local time (4.30pm AEDT/5.30am GMT) but it’s likely that we will get a sense – albeit unofficial – of how far the NLD could progress via its own tallies. | The next official update on vote-counting is at noon local time (4.30pm AEDT/5.30am GMT) but it’s likely that we will get a sense – albeit unofficial – of how far the NLD could progress via its own tallies. |
| [Edit: this post was amended to remove a BBC journalist’s tweet that has been deleted.] | [Edit: this post was amended to remove a BBC journalist’s tweet that has been deleted.] |
| Updated at 3.11am GMT | Updated at 3.11am GMT |
| 2.48am GMT02:48 | 2.48am GMT02:48 |
| More results announced | More results announced |
| The official electoral commission has announced the next batch of results. | The official electoral commission has announced the next batch of results. |
| With 121 seats declared so far, the NLD has won 111. | With 121 seats declared so far, the NLD has won 111. |
| 2.30am GMT02:30 | 2.30am GMT02:30 |
| A reminder that, even if the NLD secures victory, Myanmar’s constitution bars Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president. | A reminder that, even if the NLD secures victory, Myanmar’s constitution bars Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president. |
| A constitutional provision introduced by the military junta excludes from the role all those with foreign children – Suu Kyi’s late husband was British and she has two British sons. | A constitutional provision introduced by the military junta excludes from the role all those with foreign children – Suu Kyi’s late husband was British and she has two British sons. |
| But Suu Kyi has insisted that she will lead the country from a role “above the president” if the NLD wins the election: | But Suu Kyi has insisted that she will lead the country from a role “above the president” if the NLD wins the election: |
| The constitution will have to change to allow civilian authorities to have the necessary democratic authority over the armed forces. | The constitution will have to change to allow civilian authorities to have the necessary democratic authority over the armed forces. |
| She has also vowed to amend what she called the “very silly” constitutional provision, again implemented by the military, which reserves 25% of the seats in parliament and the most powerful ministerial portfolios for itself. | She has also vowed to amend what she called the “very silly” constitutional provision, again implemented by the military, which reserves 25% of the seats in parliament and the most powerful ministerial portfolios for itself. |
| Related: Myanmar elections: What is happening? Your questions answered | Related: Myanmar elections: What is happening? Your questions answered |
| Updated at 2.36am GMT | Updated at 2.36am GMT |
| 2.17am GMT02:17 | 2.17am GMT02:17 |
| My colleague Oliver Holmes is in Yangon and notes the “surreal” sight of state media leading on expected success for Suu Kyi and her opposition party: | My colleague Oliver Holmes is in Yangon and notes the “surreal” sight of state media leading on expected success for Suu Kyi and her opposition party: |
| Myanmar state media headline today says "NLD dominates". pic.twitter.com/3aZDuT8MOr | Myanmar state media headline today says "NLD dominates". pic.twitter.com/3aZDuT8MOr |
| 2.09am GMT02:09 | 2.09am GMT02:09 |
| Tom Phillips | Tom Phillips |
| Victory for Aung San Suu Kyi could cause “discomfort” in China, reports the Guardian’s Beijing correspondent, Tom Phillips: | Victory for Aung San Suu Kyi could cause “discomfort” in China, reports the Guardian’s Beijing correspondent, Tom Phillips: |
| Suu Kyi – a highly sensitive figure in China given her long and successful struggle against Myanmar’s authoritarian rulers – is unlikely to make many Chinese front pages in the wake of her electoral triumph. | Suu Kyi – a highly sensitive figure in China given her long and successful struggle against Myanmar’s authoritarian rulers – is unlikely to make many Chinese front pages in the wake of her electoral triumph. |
| But there are already signs of China’s discomfort at the prospect of her party’s win heralding an era of much closer ties between Myanmar and the west – and the United States in particular. | But there are already signs of China’s discomfort at the prospect of her party’s win heralding an era of much closer ties between Myanmar and the west – and the United States in particular. |
| An editorial in the Global Times, a Beijing-run tabloid, today warns that for Myanmar, tilting away from China and towards the west would be “a witless move [that] would ruin the strategic space and resources it can obtain from China’s amicable policies”. | An editorial in the Global Times, a Beijing-run tabloid, today warns that for Myanmar, tilting away from China and towards the west would be “a witless move [that] would ruin the strategic space and resources it can obtain from China’s amicable policies”. |
| The Global Times claims that Beijing, which for years was one of the junta’s few international friends, “won’t deem it unusual that Myanmar develops its ties with the US”. | The Global Times claims that Beijing, which for years was one of the junta’s few international friends, “won’t deem it unusual that Myanmar develops its ties with the US”. |
| It goes on: “Maintaining friendly and cooperative ties with China will be a rational choice for all its neighbouring countries. China should have full confidence in this respect and not be hoodwinked by western opinion.” | It goes on: “Maintaining friendly and cooperative ties with China will be a rational choice for all its neighbouring countries. China should have full confidence in this respect and not be hoodwinked by western opinion.” |
| The editorial echoes comments from China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Hong Lei, on Monday. | The editorial echoes comments from China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Hong Lei, on Monday. |
| “As a friendly neighbour of Myanmar, China supports Myanmar in all political agendas after the election in accordance with law so as to realise national stability and long-term development,” he said. | “As a friendly neighbour of Myanmar, China supports Myanmar in all political agendas after the election in accordance with law so as to realise national stability and long-term development,” he said. |
| 1.52am GMT01:52 | 1.52am GMT01:52 |
| Latest results | Latest results |
| Only a small proportion of the country’s 498 seats, across the lower and upper house, have so far been declared. | Only a small proportion of the country’s 498 seats, across the lower and upper house, have so far been declared. |
| By 11pm local time, 54 seats had been declared, with NLD taking 48 of those. | By 11pm local time, 54 seats had been declared, with NLD taking 48 of those. |
| But the NLD is confident of big wins across at least four states, and says it expects to have won 97% of the first 119 seats that have been counted. | But the NLD is confident of big wins across at least four states, and says it expects to have won 97% of the first 119 seats that have been counted. |
| NLD claims it has won: | NLD claims it has won: |
| Official confirmation is rolling out slowly, with the electoral commission set to start the release of more results in around 40 minutes’ time. | Official confirmation is rolling out slowly, with the electoral commission set to start the release of more results in around 40 minutes’ time. |
| 1.35am GMT01:35 | 1.35am GMT01:35 |
| Opening summary | Opening summary |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Welcome to continuing live coverage as results roll in from Myanmar’s general election. | Welcome to continuing live coverage as results roll in from Myanmar’s general election. |
| Myanmar’s official electoral commission has so far declared only a handful of results. | Myanmar’s official electoral commission has so far declared only a handful of results. |
| By 10pm local time on Monday (15.30 GMT/Tuesday 02.30 AEDT), the commission said Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) had won 25 seats and the ruling party two, all of them in the lower house. | By 10pm local time on Monday (15.30 GMT/Tuesday 02.30 AEDT), the commission said Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) had won 25 seats and the ruling party two, all of them in the lower house. |
| There are 498 seats in upper and lower houses of Myanmar to be announced in a series of rounds. | There are 498 seats in upper and lower houses of Myanmar to be announced in a series of rounds. |
| This means there are hundreds more results still to be declared, with counting due to resume today at 9am local time (02.30GMT/13.30 AEDT). | This means there are hundreds more results still to be declared, with counting due to resume today at 9am local time (02.30GMT/13.30 AEDT). |
| But NLD supporters are already celebrating what they believe will be a landslide victory, claiming late on Monday to have made a near clean sweep of the lower house in four of the 14 states in which results have been counted (though not yet officially declared). | But NLD supporters are already celebrating what they believe will be a landslide victory, claiming late on Monday to have made a near clean sweep of the lower house in four of the 14 states in which results have been counted (though not yet officially declared). |
| The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) – the current ruling party, backed by the military – appeared to concede it was on course to lose control, with acting chairman Htay Oo, who was voted out of his own seat, admitting: | The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) – the current ruling party, backed by the military – appeared to concede it was on course to lose control, with acting chairman Htay Oo, who was voted out of his own seat, admitting: |
| We have a higher percentage of losses than wins … The results are not yet official but we accept any outcome. | We have a higher percentage of losses than wins … The results are not yet official but we accept any outcome. |
| Suu Kyi said it was “still a bit early” for congratulations, but told jubilant supporters: | Suu Kyi said it was “still a bit early” for congratulations, but told jubilant supporters: |
| I think you all have the idea. | I think you all have the idea. |
| This live blog will carry all the latest updates throughout the day as results come in. | This live blog will carry all the latest updates throughout the day as results come in. |
| My colleague Oliver Holmes is in Yangon and will be filing updates to this live blog and on Twitter @olireports. | My colleague Oliver Holmes is in Yangon and will be filing updates to this live blog and on Twitter @olireports. |
| I will also post key developments @Claire_Phipps. And please do post comments and questions below the line. | I will also post key developments @Claire_Phipps. And please do post comments and questions below the line. |