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Burma: Suu Kyi's Party Can Run

Opposition leader planning to run herself, says spokesperson

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 5, 2012 8:35 AM CST

(Newser) – Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy will officially return to mainstream politics in Burma after a two-decade absence, as the government today approved the NLD to run in upcoming elections. And, though Suu Kyi would not confirm it, a party rep says the opposition leader is herself planning to run in by-elections set for April 1. Candidate lists must be submitted by Jan. 31.

The NLD has been out of mainstream politics since the then-ruling military junta refused to accept the party's victory in the 1991 elections. The NLD then boycotted last year's general elections over restrictions, including one that kept Suu Kyi from running. But a nominally civilian government was voted in during those elections; it has since loosened restrictions and begun working with Suu Kyi, the AP notes.

Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi addresses during a ceremony to mark the 64th Independence Day at the house of a doyen politician in Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

In this Jan. 4, 2012 photo, Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi delivers her speech during a rewarding ceremony of short films festival in the title "The Art of Freedom" in Yangon. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

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Burma: Suu Kyi's Party Can Run

Opposition leader planning to run herself, says spokesperson

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