In Myanmar, the government backed political party has claimed victory in the first election held in 20 years. It said, it has won about 80 per cent of the seats. Pro-democracy parties who participated have complained of intimidation and cheating at polling booths. As the voting was on, fighting erupted between government troops and ethnic rebels yesterday with about 20,000 people fleeing to neighbouring Thailand. An official in Myanmar said, at least three civilians were killed when heavy weapons fire hit the town of Myawaddy in Karen State. There is no information on any troop casualties on either side.Meanwhile, Thai government says about 20,000 people fled from Myanmar into Thailand to escape fighting between government troops and ethnic rebels following the military-ruled nation's first elections in 20 years. At least three civilians were killed in the violence when heavy weapons fire hit the town of Myawaddy in Karen state. There was no information on any troop casualties on either side. Governor of Tak province in Thailand Samard Loyfar said more than 15,000 people had crossed into the Thai town of Mae Sot fleeing fighting just across the border in Myawaddy. Another official said a second pocket of unrest further south pushed some 5,000 people to seek refuge across the border yesterday. However, he said many had returned to their homes.