Counting underway after Burma poll

(Vatican Radio) Votes are being counted in Burma after the first openly contested national election in 25 years.

Listen to Lydia O’Kane's report

The votes have been cast and now the people of Myanmar also known as Burma wait for a result in the country’s first free general election in 25 years.

On Monday with counting continuing Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party was confident that it was in poll position for victory.

For many in the country they view this election as a sign of hope and change, but for a number of ethnic groups there is another side to this vote. Excluded from casting their ballot were  around a million Rohingya muslims. It’s also estimated that up to 4 million people, mostly citizens working abroad, were not be able to vote.

Even if Suu Kyi's party wins the highest number of seats, it still will not be all  plain sailing. Burma’s constitution guarantees 25 percent of seats in parliament to the military. There is also an impediment to the Nobel Laureate becoming President herself due to a constitutional clause.

These elections are being closely watched at an international level and observers in the country say that the voting process was generally smooth.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in a statement Sunday, expressed hope that the election will move Burma a step closer to democracy.

A result in this poll is not likely until Tuesday, and a president will only be chosen in the New Year.