India, Feb. 5 -- Myanmar's military-backed party emerged the winner of an election, final official figures showed Wednesday, as the country's army chief signed a law authorising a new consultative body that could allow him to retain influence without formally leading the new government .The victory of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, led by former generals, was widely expected after the vote excluded major Opposition parties and sharply restricted dissent. The constitution guarantees 25% of parliamentary seats for the military, effectively ensuring control by the armed forces and allied parties.

Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government , was widely expected to assume the presidency when the new Parl...