DHAKA: Myanmar's opposition National League for Democracy has won a landslide election victory, officials say.

With more than 80% of contested seats now declared, Aung San Suu Kyi's party has more than the two-thirds it needs to choose the president, ending decades of military-backed rule.

A quarter of seats are automatically held by the military, meaning it remains hugely influential, reports BBC.

Under the constitution, Suu Kyi cannot become president herself.

Despite this, the election was seen as the first openly contested poll in Myanmar - also known as Burma - in 25 years.

Five days after polls closed, and exactly five years to the day since Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, her party's majority in parliament was confirmed.

This historic outcome had been clear, but unofficial since early results on Monday and Tuesday.

BDST: 1558 HRS, NOV 13, 2015
RS