Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar Opposition Leader, May Run For Parliament

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to the media outside her residence after talks with Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN's Special human rights envoy to Burma, on February 3, 2012 in Yangon, Myanmar. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar's Election Commission has given opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the green light to run for parliamentary by-elections, which are seen as a key test of the long-repressed country's commitment to democratic reforms.

Suu Kyi previously announced her intention to run in the April elections but was waiting for official approval from the commission, which said it had to scrutinize her eligibility.

The commission said Monday it had no objection to Suu Kyi's bid and officially accepted her candidacy.

After nearly half a century of iron-fisted military rule in Myanmar, a nominally civilian government took office last March.

The April polls are being held to fill 48 seats vacated by lawmakers appointed to the Cabinet and other posts.

Timeline of events:

Comments

[hombrenice7]

04:16 AM on 02/08/2012

An irrelevant comment but I cant get over it MCain the worst politician ever every one loved him and he killed himself politically when in an interview he agreed with blatants lies that were said about Obama and the whole world knew they were lies and he agreed with them numerous times thats when the wheels of his bus named the truth came off. Icant get over it Iwas going to vote for him for he turned me off withat foolishnes and lots of Americans saw it too it was in natinal television... Icant get over it

[LegalMomma]

10:21 PM on 02/06/2012

This is wonderful news. No matter what, it is a step forward.

[liberaldawg]

10:43 AM on 02/06/2012

Where does she draw her immense courage from? She is the epitome of the human spirit.

[PeterVanKan]

10:19 AM on 02/06/2012

Gandhi, Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi.

[French Toast]

10:12 AM on 02/06/2012

I had literally no idea that anything like this was going on in Myanmar. I haven't been following events in that country. Holy crap.

[ladameennoir]

09:04 AM on 02/06/2012

When will these third world countries realize that they need to have names that western tourists can remember so they will go there? Rename it Burma.

[hombrenice7]

03:53 AM on 02/08/2012

Thata a good ovservation Ihad no idea what country was this for a minute I thoghy it was a housing project in the South Bronx lol

[pogo]

07:57 AM on 02/06/2012

Life is so complicated: Hilary has "opened a dialogue" with the government of Myanmar, who will behave just well enough to steal what used to be American jobs from China.

[Robert Terry]

10:42 AM on 02/06/2012

THATS WHAT obama WANTS RIGHT.

[hombrenice7]

03:59 AM on 02/08/2012

It seems like all the people no matter what the subject is Obamas fault.....I had difficulties peeing today all because Obama obstructed my peeing canal.

[thedogshouter]

07:15 AM on 02/06/2012

Go away.
She's a trouble maker that doesn't know her place.

[Ankaret LeStrange]

08:03 AM on 02/06/2012

Have you considered suing your brains for nonsupport?

[hombrenice7]

04:03 AM on 02/08/2012

as always is Obamas fault. lol

[cccoyote]

04:25 AM on 02/06/2012

Absolutely fitting for both Suu Kyi and and the People of Burma.
May it be an honest election.

[Shouterguy]

02:27 AM on 02/06/2012

She defines courage, resilience and grace.

[grizzly bear55]

01:22 AM on 02/06/2012

California raisin.

[Always For Real]

02:08 AM on 02/06/2012

What do you mean?

[SemperVeritas]

09:31 AM on 02/06/2012

Don't ask. He hasn't a clue.

[HeliosOne]

01:19 AM on 02/06/2012

We should remain skeptical and vigilant, but this is a very encouraging sign that the regime is serious about reform. I wonder about the legitimacy of the polling and also about the powers that the legislature will have.

[Shouterguy]

02:27 AM on 02/06/2012

Agreed.