Millions in Myanmar Vote in Historic Election

Some 30 million voters headed to the polls on Nov. 8, 2015 for elections seen as a test of whether the military's grip on power will loosen, allowing the country to transition toward greater democracy.

2015.11.08
myanmarElectionVote26.jpg

People in Myanmar have waited 25 years for the chance to vote in openly contested elections.

myanmarElectionVote7.jpg

Queues formed outside many polling stations in Myanmar.

myanmarElectionVote10.jpg

Queues formed outside many polling stations in Myanmar.

myanmarElectionVote33.jpg

myanmarElectionVote12.jpg

myanmarElectionVote14.jpg

myanmarElectionVote24.jpg

More than 90 parties contested the poll. Firm results are not expected till Monday

myanmarElectionVote13.jpg

A woman casts her vote at a polling station in Myanmar, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015.

myanmarElectionVote16.jpg

A woman casts her vote at a polling station in Myanmar, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015.

myanmarElectionVote37.jpg

To prevent fraud, voters' fingers are marked with ink after they have cast their ballots

myanmarElectionVote1.jpg

To prevent fraud, voters' fingers are marked with ink after they have cast their ballots

myanmarElectionVote15.jpg

To prevent fraud, voters' fingers are marked with ink after they have cast their ballots

myanmarElectionVote11.jpg

myanmarElectionVote31.jpg

myanmarElectionVote35.jpg

myanmarElectionVote34.jpg

As voting began, long lines formed outside polling booths set up in Buddhist temples, schools and government buildings. A total of 91 parties are contesting, but the main fight is between Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy and the military-backed Union Solidarity Development Party.

POST A COMMENT

Add your comment by filling out the form below in plain text. Comments are approved by a moderator and can be edited in accordance with RFAs Terms of Use. Comments will not appear in real time. RFA is not responsible for the content of the postings. Please, be respectful of others' point of view and stick to the facts.