Suu Kyi cleared to run in Burma by-election
Burma’s Election Commission has given opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the green light to run for parliamentary by-elections, seen as a key test of the long-repressed country’s commitment to democratic reforms.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ms Suu Kyi, 66, previously announced her intention to run in the April elections, but was waiting for official approval from the commission, which said it had to scrutinise her eligibility.
The commission said today 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 Burma, a nominally civilian government took office last March.
The April polls are being held to fill 48 seats vacated by politicians appointed to the cabinet and other posts.
