History is rapidly being written in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy takes seat after seat after seat in nationwide elections.
Though all the votes are far from being tallied, it is safe to say the party absolutely dominated Yangon Region, winning races in virtually every single township.
Supporters outside NLD headquarters in Yangon on Monday evening cheered as official results came in via live telecast from the Union Election Commission.
Many could be seen wearing t-shirts saying “We Won.”
Win Myint Thein, a 43-year-old shopkeeper, said he voted for the party because they can “bring what I want.”
“I want a free country and I want freedom of expression,” he said, while standing in the packed crowd as campaign songs played overhead.
Buses squeezed down the clogged road and passengers waved to the crowd and pulled out smartphones to capture the moment.
Than Htay, 53, said at the rally he believes it will be difficult for the party from here on out as the government is going to “pull some tricks,” echoing a common fear that the result may be disregarded as it was in 1990.
The ruling party has been shaken to its core, with many well-known names falling to the vote, including lawmaker Hla Swe, who has called gay people “fucking useless.”
Alternatively, many well-known NLD candidates cruised to victory.
In Naypyidaw, the capital, rapper turned politician Zeyar Thaw successfully defended his seat.
Results will continue to come in until 11pm tonight.
The election commission will continue to announce results several times a day for about two weeks.
Oh yeah, and in case you were wondering, Aung San Suu Kyi won her seat in the lower house of parliament.
One of her opponents got literally one vote.
The NLD has also grabbed the majority of seats in Mon State and Irrawaddy Region.
Photos / Alexander Hotz and Aung Naing Soe / Coconuts Yangon
