Myanmar election fever grips Suu Kyi party

[ellisonz]

Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi (C) waves to supporters after registering in Thanlyin township on the outskirts of Yangon to run as a candidate in upcoming by-elections. Her party headquarters are once again a hive of activity as her Myanmar opposition prepares for its first poll battle in two decades - AFP Photographer

By Didier Lauras | AFP – 5 hrs ago

With the fighting peacock flag flying outside, Aung San Suu Kyi's Yangon party headquarters are once again a hive of activity as her Myanmar opposition prepares for its first poll battle in two decades.

The excited crowds that gathered around the democracy icon this week as she registered her candidacy for April 1 by-elections testified to the new energy galvanising Myanmar's politics after almost half a century of military rule.

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To those who -- in Myanmar and abroad -- have put Suu Kyi on a pedestal and believe running in this election is beneath her, she defends the will of the people.

"This is a very dangerous attitude to think that any politician is too high up to be involved in the basis of parliamentary democracy. I think we all have to start with at least a sense of humility," she said.

http://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-election-fever-grips-suu-kyi-party-143856780.html

What are your impressions of the culture of government in Myanmar and in Asia in general?

[Vehl]

1. I support Aung San Suu Kyi

She could have taken the easy road...sided with the military junta, and ruled as a figurehead. But she chose the road less traveled and suffered for years just so she can stand by her principles.

I wish the recent move towards democracy will continue and one day the people of Myanmar will be able to choose their own leader.