US concerned by 'far from perfect' vote

The United States welcomed Myanmar's landmark election Sunday, but warned of "important structural and systemic impediments" to full democratization in the Southeast Asian nation after decades of military rule.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said the massive turnout, which could see opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party catapulted to power, was a "testament to the courage and sacrifice shown by the people of Burma over many decades."

But "while these elections were an important step forward, we recognize that they were far from perfect," Kerry added.

"There remain important structural and systemic impediments to the realization of full democratic and civilian government."

The top US diplomat pointed to a large number of unelected seats reserved for the military, the disfranchisement of minorities such as Rohingya Muslims and the "arbitrary" disqualification of certain candidates.

Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi applauds while delivering her speech from the balcony of the National League of Democracy headquarters in Yangon yesterday. Photo: AFP

"We must also acknowledge significant flaws and challenges that will need to be addressed going forward," said Washington's United Nations envoy, Samantha Power, as she urged calm in the post-election period.

"These are fundamental issues of fairness and inclusivity."

Millions of people cast their ballots for the first time in a quarter of a century, in an event heavy with history and filled with emotion. Early indications were of an 80 percent turnout.

"We will continue to watch the vote counting process, and encourage all parties to help ensure the tabulation is transparent and credible and any complaints are addressed promptly, transparently and appropriately," Kerry said.

a buddhist monk reads a newspaper as another browses his smartphone in Yangon for official results. NLD won 49 of the parliamentary seats declared in the first round of results after Sunday's general election. Photo: AFP