Yangon, Myanmar — Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi waves to the crowd as she leaves National League for Democracy headquarters after addressing journalists and supporters. Suu Kyi hailed a "new era" for Myanmar and called for a show of political unity after her party claimed a major victory in landmark by-elections.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57354

0

Yangon, Myanmar — A woman casts her vote in Mayangone township. Millions of Myanmar's people, who have been under military rule for decades, headed to vote in a by-election that could bring democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, 66, into parliament. It is the first election the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has contested, as she was under house arrest during Myanmar's last two general elections in 1990 and 2010.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: NYEIN CHAN NAING / European Pressphoto Agency

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57355

1

Yangon, Myanmar — Supporters follow opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on her way to the constituency where she stands as a candidate in the parliamentary by-elections in Kawhmu, outside Yangon.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57356

2

Pathein, Myanmar — Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi receives flowers from supporters on her way to a campaign rally.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57357

3

Kawhmu, Myanmar — Nuns ride on the back of a truck with National League for Democracy supporters as they follow Aung San Suu Kyi on the eve of parliamentary elections.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57359

4

Kawhmu, Myanmar — A woman receives help as she votes. The historical by-elections are seen as an important vote of confidence for the country as it continues on the road to political and diplomatic reform.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57360

5

Kawhmu, Myanmar — A supporter kisses Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, as she visits polling stations in her constituency.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57361

6

Kawhmu, Myanmar — Burmese wait in line to vote.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57362

7

Yangon, Myanmar — Burmese watch as votes are counted at a polling station.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57363

8

Yangon, Myanmar — National League for Democracy supporters celebrate their victory outside the party headquarters.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57364

9

Kawhmu, Myanmar — Buddhist monks stand outside their monastery opposite a polling station in the constituency where opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is a candidate.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57365

10

Yangon, Myanmar — Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy celebrate outside the party's headquarters.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: SOE THAN WIN / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57366

11

Yangon, Myanmar — Election officials count ballots at a polling station.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: SOE THAN WIN / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57367

12

Yangon, Myanmar — A graphic designer of the Weekly Eleven newspaper looks at a film of the next morning's edition at midnight.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Altaf Qadri / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57368

13

Yangon, Myanmar — A hawker sells newspapers a day after landmark by-elections.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Altaf Qadri / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57369

14

Wah Thin Kha, Myanmar — A man films Aung San Suu Kyi as she arrives at a polling station.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Altaf Qadri / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57370

15

Yangon, Myanmar — Buddhist monks carry their bowls as they walk for alms early in the morning.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: YEAUNGTHU / AFP/Getty Images

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=57371

16