Brook duBois

Aung San Suu Kyi Confirms Run for Burmese Parliament

Last week, the government approved the NLD to participate in the April 1 elections, marking its return to mainstream politics after two decades. But it had been unclear whether Aung San Suu Kyi herself would compete for a seat.

The campaign marks the first time the pro-democracy leader has pursued political office. Her party won a landslide victory in 1990, but the ruling military government prevented it from assuming power. Aung San Suu Kyi spent much of her time since then under house arrest, gaining her freedom in 2010 as the junta agreed to parliamentary elections late that year.  

The NLD boycotted general elections in November 2010 because of restrictions that prevented Aung San Suu Kyi from running. That vote installed a nominally civilian government that has made a series of reforms, including beginning a dialogue with opposition groups.

Nicholas Farrelly, a Burma analyst at the Australian National University, says the NLD’s decision to compete in the upcoming elections reflects a significant change in Burma’s political climate.

I did a story a couple years back on Burmese immigrants settling in Missouri. It might provide more insight into the struggle many in Myanmar face for those interested. Aung San Suu Kyi’s ability to run in the next election really does make a statement about the changes going on in Myanmar.