The NLD also faces a powerful local rival in the Arakan National Party (ANP) that has been accused of stoking anti Muslim sentiments and has even called for the deportation of the Rohingyas. The ANP won most of the 29 national level seats in Rakhine and has a decisive control of the state's regional assembly.

Suu Kyi has reportedly said that she would control the future government even though she cannot be President, but she did not elaborate how she would square that circle.

It was the only show in town on Sunday, as huge numbers of people showed up at Yangon's polling stations. The shining eyes reflected voters' eagerness to voice their aspirations for change.