Suu Kyi party gets polls go-ahead

The Burmese government has approved the National League for Democracy to run in upcoming by-elections, says Aung San Suu Kyi (AP)
12 April 2012

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said the government has approved her National League for Democracy (NLD) to run in upcoming by-elections.

Ms Suu Kyi said the party had been accepted on Thursday.

NLD spokesman Nyan Win also said the party will start accepting new members on Monday.

In an interview at her home, Ms Suu Kyi declined to say if she herself will stand in the election.

The NLD boycotted general elections in 2010 because of restrictions that among other things would have prevented Ms Suu Kyi from running.

Allowing Ms Suu Kyi's party back into the political fold is likely to give the government greater legitimacy at home and abroad.

Western governments have cautiously supported the reforms Burma's new government have made since general elections in late 2010, while keeping in place economic sanctions and continuing to urge further reforms.

Foreign Secretary William Hague urged Burma to push on with its democratic reforms and release all political prisoners as he began a historic trip.

He is the first British foreign secretary to visit Burma since 1955.

President Thein Sein greeted him in the capital, Naypyitaw, but neither talked to reporters. Mr Hague is scheduled to meet Ms Suu Kyi later.

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