Myanmar's Landmark Vote

Myanmar held historic by-elections on April 1, to fill 45 vacant parliamentary seats. According to news reports, the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by pro-democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi, won at least 40 of the 45 contested seats.

Speaking to reporters on Election Day, Suu Kyi said she hoped the polls marked the start of a new era in Myanmar and were a hopeful sign for democracy and reconciliation. As the country prepares for general elections at the end of 2015, she has vowed to use her voice to push for further reforms.

The White House described the election as “an important step in Burma’s democratic transformation” and said in a statement that it hopes it is “an indication that the Government of Burma intends to continue along the path of greater openness, transparency, and reform.”