Suu Kyi’s party wins historic majority in Myanmar’s parliament

In this Nov. 9, 2015 file photo, leader of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy party, Aung San Suu Kyi, smiles to her supporters after delivering a speech from a balcony of her party headquarters in Yangon, Myanmar. AP

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s election panel has released results showing that Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party has secured a historic majority in Myanmar’s Parliament.

With the tally still being counted, the Election Commission said Friday that Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party has won 15 more seats, pushing it over the threshold it needed of 329 seats for a majority in the 664-member, two-house Parliament.

A party with a combined parliamentary majority is able to select the next president, who can then name a Cabinet and form a new government.

The tally from Sunday’s vote was still being counted and final results were not expected for several days.

But the incoming results confirmed a landslide win for the opposition and a resounding rejection of military rule in Myanmar. The country has been under military control for half a century.

US President Barack Obama has congratulated Suu Kyi for the success of her opposition party in Myanmar’s historic elections.

The White House said that in a phone call Wednesday night, Obama commended Suu Kyi for “her tireless efforts and sacrifice over so many years” to promote a peaceful, democratic Myanmar. The two talked about the importance of all parties respecting the election results once announced in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

Obama also called President Thein Sein to congratulate Burma on its success in conducting the election and the importance of respecting the outcome. The former general has led Myanmar’s military-backed government for five years.