LIKE the rest of the world, perhaps a little more so as her next-door neighbour, we take heart in Myanmar's first landmark step on what looks like still a long road to democracy.

In the backdrop of a semi-civilian rule, set up with appointment of ministers drawn from parliament members inducted through 2010 elections, 45 seats fell vacant necessitating bye-elections offering space to AungSan Suu Kyi.

Consequently, Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) captured 40 of the 45 seats on offer. Suu Kyi forced to languish under house arrest and political wilderness since 1990 has emerged victorious to take her place in parliament with other elected MPs from NLD. In a 664-member parliament, NDL constitutes not even 10 percent of the legislature. Thus, for the present, the Suu Kyi factor is symbolic in parliament, albeit significant in its own right.

The real significance of her victory is to be measured in terms of unleashing positive energy among the people to aspire for more than rationed or gradualist transition to democracy. The general election scheduled for 2015 provides a testing ground for political parties to transit to democracy by wresting it from military hands conclusively. Suu Kyi's charisma can be a powerful catalyst for such a change.

The initial post-election sentiments from Suu Kyi speak of her realistic approach to the unfolding scenario as she said that the goal now was 'reconciliation with other parties'. She is also wedded to the cause of ethnic minorities as part of a national reconciliation process.

The challenges facing Myanmar are still formidable. Politicians are locked up behind bars, violence against ethnic minorities continues and military dominance over state institutions remains. But if military keeps levers to itself, Suu Kyi has people's power behind her and the western world's leverage for democracy is being exercised through sanctions.

Even the semi-civilian rule has opened up business and investment opportunities in the once-closed Myanmar economy. China has been already in business and other countries are queuing up to invest in Myanmar. The process set afoot seems irreversible. Can full democracy be denied to Myanmar for long?