Black Jesus
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 7, 2008
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Aung San Suu Kyi's party says it has 80% support in some areas but "The Lady" warns supporters not to provoke the losers.
The chairman of Myanmar's ruling party has conceded defeat in the country's first free general election in 25 years - with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi apparently set for victory.
The leader of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, Htay Oo, told Reuters: "We lost...we do accept the results without any reservations."
His comments came as the first 12 seats were all declared for Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).
An NLD spokesman said the party was on course to secure more than 90% of seats in the densely populated central region and more than 65% in the states of Mon and Kayin outside the central area.
Results from the five other states were not yet known but the party appeared to be heading for more than 70% of parliamentary seats - enough to form a government, he said.
However, no results have been officially announced and in a speech at the NLD headquarters, Ms Suu Kyi said: "It is still a bit early to congratulate our candidates who will be the winners."
She added: "I want to remind you all that even candidates who didn't win have to accept the winners but it is important not to provoke the candidates who didn't win to make them feel bad."
The election marks a huge step in Myanmar's journey from military dictatorship to democracy and a moment Nobel peace laureate Ms Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest, will savour.
The country faces a period of uncertainty as the NLD and other emerging parties negotiate sharing power with the armed forces, which get one-quarter of parliament's seats under the military-drafted constitution.
Ms Suu Kyi - known simply as The Lady by many - is barred from becoming president but has said she would be the power behind the new leader.
But the military is still guaranteed key ministerial positions, can take over the government in certain circumstances and has a grip on Myanmar's economy through holding companies.
Source: news.sky.com
