The Burmese election commission has given Aung San Suu Kyi official approval allowing her to stand for parliamentary by-elections later this year.
After announcing her intention to run for elections last month, her candidacy has now been accepted, in a move that will be seen as Burma taking another step towards political openness after nearly 50 years of military rule.
The new civilian government which took office in March last year, has implemented steps which included releasing political prisoners, signing a ceasefire with rebels and easing censorship in the country. The moves lead to both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague visiting the country on official visits.
An election will be held in April this year to fill 48 vacant seats in the lower house of parliament. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition in Burma, will run as a candidate for the cyclone devastated district of Kawhmu.
After announcing her intention to run for elections last month, her candidacy has now been accepted, in a move that will be seen as Burma taking another step towards political openness after nearly 50 years of military rule.
The new civilian government which took office in March last year, has implemented steps which included releasing political prisoners, signing a ceasefire with rebels and easing censorship in the country. The moves lead to both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague visiting the country on official visits.
An election will be held in April this year to fill 48 vacant seats in the lower house of parliament. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition in Burma, will run as a candidate for the cyclone devastated district of Kawhmu.