Myanmar election: Military-backed USDP headed for rout as Suu Kyi's NLD continues winning spree

Myanmar looks set to celebrate the impending end to 25 years of rule by the military-backed Union Solidarity Development Party. Latest results in the country's election show Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy winning a total of 154 out of the 164 seats in four states declared so far, reports AP. The USDP is headed for a clear rout in the elections that international observers called 95% free and fair.

The scenario is expected to be similar in the remaining 10 states. The latest numbers, according to local observers indicate a clean sweep for the NLD in the Hlaing Tharyar township, Myanmar's largest, where the party made a clean sweep leaving USDP empty handed.

All this despite the advance votes cast by those unable to do so on election day which had raised fears that this would help the ruling party. The USDP had claimed to win 90% of these votes in a township where election observers were not allowed.

There is trepidation about the military's response to the results. Back in 1990, the NLD had recorded a similar landslide victory but the military refused to accept the verdict, and Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest.

The military-drafted constitution reserves a quarter of parliament's seats for the military which has also the power to nominate the head for three of the most powerful ministries: interior, defence and border security. A clear picture of the election results will emerge in the next few days and weeks.