DHAKA: Myanmar’s opposition said on Wednesday almost five million people had signed a petition seen as a step towards ending a constitutional ban on veteran activist Aung San Suu Kyi running for president.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) hailed the petition, publicised in rallies across the country as part of its efforts to amend the country's charter, which was drafted by the former junta.

‘We see this campaign as very successful,’ party spokesman Nyan Win told reporters, adding that some 4.9 million people had signed the document out of some 20 million potential voters, reports The Straits Times.

The appeal, which was launched in May for signatories aged over 18, targeted a provision that currently ensures the military has a veto on any amendment to the constitution.

BDST: 2147 HRS, AUG 06, 2014