Burma celebrates democratic 'victory'

Pro-democracy leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has won a seat in Burma's historic by-election, according to her party the National League for Democracy.

The elections for 45 seats in the 1,158-seat legislature are seen as a test of the country's reform credentials. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party claimed victories in 40 of the 45 seats contested and announced to loud cheers that she had won in Kawhmu, southwest of the commercial capital Yangon.

Traffic around the NLD's crumbling Yangon offices ground to a halt as about 2,000 supporters gathered, waving flags and cheering as one by one, NLD candidates claimed victories.

The charismatic and wildly popular Suu Kyi did not address the crowd but issued a statement:

The Election Commission has yet to confirm any of the results.

The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party has not made any comments.

Our International Correspondent John Irvine is in Burma

Suu Kyi had complained last week of "irregularities" but did not make any serious complaints today.

Voters filed into makeshift polling stations from dawn, some gushing with excitement after casting ballots for the frail Suu Kyi, or "Aunty Suu" as she is affectionately known.

Suu Kyi had complained last week of "irregularities", though none were significant enough for any immediate dispute.

Voters filed into makeshift polling stations from dawn, some gushing with excitement after casting ballots for the frail Suu Kyi, or "Aunty Suu" as she is affectionately known.

To be regarded as credible, the vote needs the blessing of Suu Kyi.

President Thein Sein, a general in the former military junta, has surprised the world by making a serious of political reforms since freeing Suu Kyi from house arrest in November 2010.

The military junta came to power in 1962 and have ruled the ruled the country through a parliament stuffed with army generals, or retired military personnell.