Burma opposition wins historic majority
Burma's National League for Democracy, the opposition party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has secured a majority in the nation's parliament, election officials said Friday.
While votes were still being counted, the Election Commission said the NLD passed the threshold of 329 seats required to gain control of the 664-member legislative chamber.
The result means that the Southeast Asian country is on track to form its first civilian government in more than 50 years.
However, while the NLD will be able to choose the country's next president, Suu Kyi herself is barred from taking that role herself on a technicality: Her husband and sons were foreign-born.
Suu Kyi has said she will become the country's de facto leader, acting "above the president," but military rulers — who have reserved 25% of parliamentary seats — will also play a decisive role in the country's next government. It remains unclear to what extent she will be able to fully exercise any power that comes with the position.